Ray Lewis gives emotional speech at son's funeral as Michael Irvin lends support

27 June 2023 , 17:20

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Ray Lewis spoke at his son's funeral over the weekend with NFL legend and close friend Michael Irvin in attendance (Image: CBS via Getty Images)

NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis emotionally spoke at his son's funeral, recalling cherished memories with his first-born child, Ray Lewis III, who died earlier this month at 28 years old.

The ex-Ravens star gave the eulogy at Calvary Orlando Church in Florida, and fellow NFL players from his era, such as Michael Irvin, attended the service to lend support.

"We will see you again," Lewis said. "28 years, watching my first-born child… the referees thought I was crazy running up and down the sideline. Everybody that's here in this room today for my son, from the deepest corners of my family's heart, thank you."

"My son used to always say to me, 'Pops, let's make today a good day.' And today, now that I finally see my son's physical body, you will make today a good day."

Police found Lewis III unconscious at a home in Casselberry, Florida, on June 14 after a suspected opioid overdose. A report from officers provided to the Orlando Sentinel states that an apparent anti-anxiety pill, a used needle and small plastic bag in a beer can were discovered nearby.

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Authorities on the scene used the opioid reversal drug Narcan in an attempt to revive Lewis III, "but there was no change to his condition."

"The evidence and witness accounts show this incident to be a tragic accident," Casselberry police captain Michael Schaefer told the Sentinel. "Our sympathies go out to the Lewis family and friends."

Ray Lewis gives emotional speech at son's funeral as Michael Irvin lends support

Ray Lewis, father of Ray Lewis III, spent the whole of his career with the Baltimore Ravens (Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images)

Lewis III starred in high school as a running back. He went on to compete in college at Coastal Carolina and Virginia Union.

"Ray was a tremendous young man who played with the spirit of a lion," said his Virginia Union college coach, Mark James, to the Baltimore Sun. "He was a great asset to the Virginia Union family.

"He will always be a Panther. May God bless his family."

Irvin, the former Dallas Cowboys great who attended the funeral in support of Lewis, posted to social media afterward with a message to the grieving family.

"NO FATHER should ever have to bury his son! My heart bleeds for my brother @raylewis and his family," he wrote. "There is NOT anything, anyone can say to ease this depth of pain. Just know this MY BROTHER, we love you and God has you."

Lewis is considered one of the NFL's best defensive players of all time, a fiery leader at the heart of a tough Ravens defense throughout his 17-year career. He made 12 Pro Bowls, won Defensive Player of the Year twice and lifted the Super Bowl trophy in the 2000 and 2012 seasons.

Ray Lewis III (left) passed away at the age of 28 (Ray Lewis III/Instagram)

The 48-year-old is the father of six children, including Rahsaan Lewis, who mourned the loss of Ray Lewis III on social media.

"Really can't believe I'm even typing this but RIP big brother,' he wrote. "A true angel I pray your at peace now because IK how much you was rlly hurtin.