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NFL legend Ray Lewis’ touching gesture for distraught Ole Miss star after Miami win

The former Hurricanes star and Baltimore Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker has a heartfelt moment after the CFP Fiesta Bowl with a sad player.
Matt Ryan|
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ray Lewis on the red carpet during Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ray Lewis on the red carpet during Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Hall of Famer and Miami Hurricanes legend Ray Lewis was in the house at the Fiesta Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal to root on his college team in the stunning victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. After the game, he had a touching moment with a distraught Ole Miss star player.

The linebacker Lewis was a member of the ‘Canes defense from 1993-1995 before he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996 as the 26th overall pick where he’d have a Hall of Fame career and win two Super Bowl rings.

He came out with other Miami legends for Thursday night’s big CFP game in Glendale, Arizona, with the likes of Michael Irvin, Edgerrin James, and others. He even was seen celebrating with Irvin immediately after Ole Miss’ final pass in the end zone was incomplete.

RELATED: Michael Irvin celebrates Miami CFP Fiesta Bowl win with Hurricanes cheerleaders

Lewis would also stop by the ESPN College GameDay booth.

RELATED: Lane Kiffin reacts to Ole Miss losing heartbreaker to Miami in CFP Fiesta Bowl

Lewis’ awesome gesture

While he’d revel in the victory that sent Miami to the CFP National Championship Game against the winner of Friday’s Peach Bowl between the Oregon Ducks and the Indiana Hoosiers, Lewis would take the time to offer Ole Miss star freshman running back Kewan Lacy some words of encouragement while he was feeling the sting of the loss in a truly touching gesture.

Lacy unfortunately hurt his hamstring after this electric 73-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

What Lewis told Lacy

ESPN picked up what Lewis said to Lacy: “Sometimes, the battles sharpen you so that you can deal with them,” Lewis said. “These kids, their hearts are broken. I grabbed him because I’m a fan of Lacy. I think he’s dynamic. I watched him from the middle of the season all the way through it. But when you get to this point, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, my life has ended.’ No, it’s just beginning. Now, you got to learn something. Pick your teammates up.”

Lacy would come back in the fourth quarter to try and help his team, but was largely ineffective, finishing with 103 yards on 11 carries only, and the one long score.

Lacy, who had an incredible season with 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns overall, will no doubt be a future high NFL draft pick.

Lewis is known to motivate anybody with his speeches, and Lacy should heed his words.

While Lacy is headed home, no doubt Lewis and the ‘Canes legends will be in Miami for what will be a home game for the Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium for the natty.

Ray Lewi
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

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