'Beyond the Edge': Ray Lewis says he owes stardom and fame to mother Sunseria
Raymond Anthony Jenkins (aka Ray Lewis) is a man who needs no introduction. One of the legends of American football, he was a linebacker for Baltimore Ravens. His incredible track record and loyalty to his team is what made him stand a class apart. He'll be one of the many celebrities to star on CBS's 'Beyond the Edge'. The show will determine contestants to see if they can push past their limits and endure living in the worst conditions possible.
Being the oldest of five siblings without a father in the picture, Lewis took on responsibilities as the man of the house pretty early on in his life. His mother was just 16 when Lewis was born so the both of them literally grew up together. Lewis revealed that his stepfather was extremely abusive toward his mother Sunseria growing up so he got a deck of 52 cards to help start his push-up regimen. He did this so he could get stronger to protect her from injuries at home. The number 52 is something he holds close to his heart and was also the reason he chose #52 jersey in his professional career in the sports industry. Seems like the other celebrities have tough competition on the survival reality show.
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There isn't much information on Lewis's father. Having said that, we know that was a record-setting high school wrestler, right before he was imprisoned for drug-related offenses. Must have been tough for Lewis, growing up with a ton on his plate. When his father failed to frequently visit or provide for the family, Raymond abandoned his last name and changed it to the last name of Sunseria's boyfriend, Ray Lewis.
Lewis went on to play as an All-American linebacker for the football team at Kathleen High School, overcoming his small physique with his intensity and instincts. He was also a prolific wrestler during his time at school. After school, at the University of Miami is where he'd play football and was soon drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996. This would eventually be the start of his 17-year long career.
To this day, Lewis says that although he was always passionate about football, his sole desire to provide a better life for his mother was the driving force to success. With such a righteous cause, it doesn't come by surprise that Lewis ended up being one of the highest-paid linebackers in the National Football League.
Lewis is not just a former football player, but is also the founder of the "Ray Lewis 52 Foundation", a charity that assists disadvantaged youth. After his three-year stint with ESPN for the NFL coverage, Lewis moved on to Fox as an NFL Analyst. Today, he uses his experience and skills from football to shape the future of MMA by working with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
'Beyond the Edge' premieres on March 16, 2022, at 9 pm ET, on the CBS channel.