NFL Legend’s Son Mysteriously Dies at Age 28

Former college football player Ray Lewis III has died at the age of 28.

Lewis III was the son of Hall of Fame NFL linebacker Ray Lewis – and he played for the Miami Hurricanes, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and Virginia Union Panthers during his college career.

His cause of death, which was announced on Thursday, has not been confirmed.

Lewis III had recently been working on his music career after attempting to follow in his NFL father’s footsteps and play college football.

His last post on social media was in December, where he posed at his sibling’s baby shower. He wrote: ‘BIG UNCLE RAY RAY!!! I’m in it for the long haul boss!! New chapter! New Beginnings!’

Virginia Union Associate Head Coach Diego Ryland, who knew Lewis III, told TMZ following the tragic news: ‘Great young man and a better teammate.

‘The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray.’

Lewis III’s younger brother, Rahsaan, also posted on social media: ‘Really can’t believe I’m even typing this but RIP big brother.

‘A true angel I pray your at peace now because IK how much you was rlly hurtin. I don’t and won’t ever have the words man cuz this pain right here….I love you I love you I love you.

‘Your niece gone miss you but she will hear about u over and over just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian I promise I’ll make you smile and proud.’

Mark James, Lewis’ coach at Virginia Union, wrote: ‘Two RIP posts for my former players back to back. Young man it was a pleasure to bring you to Virginia Union. Ray Ray May God bless your family. Great young man.’

Lewis III attended Lake Mary High School in Florida, where he starred in their track and football teams.

During his high school career, he rushed 1,898 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. In his senior season, he rushed 676 yards and scored four touchdowns.

He then moved to the University of Miami in 2013 where he joined the Miami Hurricanes football team as a running back.

After not making waves in the football team in Miami, he transfered to Coastal Carolina University in 2015.

In January 2016, Ray Lewis III was arrested on charges of sexual assault while he was a football player and student at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.

He was indicted by a South Carolina grand jury on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual assault and kicked off the college football team.

But months later the claims were dropped following a lengthy investigation by law enforcement officials in South Carolina.

‘We’ve felt very strongly from the beginning that this young man was not guilty of anything,’ Lewis III’s attorney Tony Brittain said at the time. ‘I’m just relieved that the prosecutors looked into it so thoroughly and came to a similar conclusion that this case shouldn’t go forward.’

Court records from the investigation showed numerous discrepancies in the allegations.

In 2021, Lewis III signed with the Wyoming Mustangs of the Champions Indoor Football league.

Ray Lewis, his father, is a former NFL star who played for the Baltimore Ravens for his entire 17-year career. He’s considered to be the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history.

Like his son, he attended the University of Miami and played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.