Ray Lewis is synonymous with intensity, leadership, and a legendary career with the Baltimore Ravens, culminating in two Super Bowl victories. In this insightful conversation on Scoop B Radio, the Hall of Fame linebacker peels back the layers on what drove his iconic on-field passion.
Lewis opens up about a surprising mutual respect with NBA legend Kevin Garnett, another athlete known for his ferocious competitive fire. He also weighs in on the compelling modern debate of comparing NFL stars to NBA counterparts, specifically analyzing the hype around Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Furthermore, Lewis shares a deeply personal look at the motivation behind his pre-game rituals, connecting his performance back to his mother’s sacrifices. Finally, the style-conscious star also shares his unexpected Mount Rushmore of fashionable NFL legends, revealing what truly made them great in his eyes.
This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity and space. You can watch the full, unedited interview by clicking here.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: When I look at you and I look at Kevin Garnett, I think you two are two of the most energetic people on the court and the field. Have you guys ever had a conversation about how intense you are in your respective sport?
Ray Lewis: We have, we have. Me and KG go way back. Like, way back, even when we were in the league early, oh my gosh, we met and we both agreed that we were kind of insane. But, I think we both appreciate what that insane was. Because it’s not insane like that! It’s insane to do something great, to be great, to see better, to do better, to lead better!
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: When I saw you on the field and were hyping up both you and your teammates, I’ve always wondered: ‘was there a song that was in your head?’ Or ‘was there somebody who took your lunch money when you were a kid?/ What was going through your mind when you were on that field and doing that dance?
Ray Lewis: When you’ve come from having absolutely nothing, the game is irrelevant; it’s the moment. And every moment, I remember when I didn’t have shoes to play in, didn’t have money to play football and my mom couldn’t afford it. My mom made it to one game in my entire little league because she worked three jobs. So when I got out there, every day for me became Mother’s Day. So, I zoned out. I zoned out. I stopped playing, oh, who’s better than you? Nobody.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: NBA to NFL comparisons are always fun. I’ve spoken to some of your NFL contemporaries who have shared that they feel that Lamar Jackson is the NFL version to Steph Curry. Can you see it?
Ray Lewis: I can see what they’re saying with Steph. I mean he’s, he’s automatic. It’s hard to guard that. If he sees the basket, if Steph sees the basket, it’s gonna be a problem. You get Lamar a lane, that’s gonna be a problem. So the comparison is absolutely, it’s incredible that somebody brought that comparison up. But Lamar is tough. He is something that we have never seen, a hybrid that we’ve never seen. Michael Vick absolutely started it off, right? All these guys. All Lamar is doing right now is something that we will remember forever.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You’re a stylish dude. If you could create your Mount Rushmore of some of your other NFL contemporaries who can dress, who would you pick?
Ray Lewis: Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, Junior Seau, Dick Butkus. Man, I can go on for days. It’s legendary men who did life a certain way. And what they did in life, I think, was more important and more attractive to me to line up beside them, knowing what they’ve done in life and not on the field.
The Legacy of Greatness Beyond the Gridiron
Ray Lewis’s perspective offers a unique window into the mind of a true champion, emphasizing that his legendary intensity was not about aggression but about the relentless pursuit of greatness.
His heartfelt revelation about turning every game into a tribute to his mother’s sacrifice powerfully reframes his pre-game rituals as moments of deep gratitude and focus. The comparison of Lamar Jackson to Stephen Curry highlights how today’s athletes are breaking molds, creating new, unguardable archetypes that redefine their respective sports. Lewis’s surprising Mount Rushmore of style—featuring giants whose legacies were built on how they lived their lives, not just how they dressed or played—underscores his focus on character and impact over flash.
Ultimately, the interview confirms that Lewis’s legacy transcends tackles and sacks; it’s rooted in a mindset built on faith, family, and a desire to be more than just great.
