Fifty Fabulous Floridians: Number 5

This article was written for Canespace by SolarCane

First a word of thanks to those of you who have read the articles on the "Fifty Fabulous Floridians That Made Us Proud" and have posted your comments about them.

I'm sure some people have a completely different five selections at the top of their list. Really that was part of the reason the entire list was created, to have us recognize Floridians that stand out in the crowd.  I never expected all of us to agree on the list or the rankings.  The debate over which athlete ranks where has been fun and entertaining to say the least.

Since we have finally reached the top 5 on our list we thought we would slow down the process a little and post one athlete a week over the next five weeks to let these selections really sink in. 

A brief word about my number 5 selection, which I think is in agreement with my friend and fellow blogger Six who helped co-author this series:

Ray Lewis

To me without question Lewis is the greatest defensive football player of my generation.  He is a three time All American, An eleven time pro bowler, an NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Those are incredible stats but the thing that makes me most proud of Ray Lewis is how he shed his thug image and involved himself in doing non-stop charity work.

# 5 Ray Lewis

Ray Anthony Lewis (born May 15, 1975) is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL) since 1996. Lewis has been selected to eleven Pro Bowls and been named an Associated Press All-Pro nine times. He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003; he was the sixth player to win the award multiple times. He was also the second linebacker to win the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award and the first linebacker to win the award on the winning Super Bowl team.

  University of Miami

As a freshman at the University of Miami, Ray Lewis was an immediate contributor and became a starter for the Hurricanes' final five games. He compiled 81 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and four pass deflections in route to being named to the freshman All-American team.

In his sophomore season, Lewis earned 1st team All-American and All-Big East Conference honors. Lewis led the Big East with 152 tackles and also contributed 9 tackle for a loss, 2 sacks, and an interception for a Hurricanes team that would finish #6 in both the writers' and coaches' polls

Lewis' junior campaign was another successful one as he was once again named to the All-American and All-Big East teams. He was also the runner up for the Butkus Award. Lewis finished his junior season with 160 tackles, the 2nd highest in University of Miami team history behind only Ed Weisacosky's 164 in 1965. Lewis also totaled eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, four pass deflections and one touchdown. Ray led the Big East in tackles his final 2 seasons and accumulated the 5th most in Miami history despite playing only 3 seasons.

After the 1995 season, Lewis decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft. In the 1996 NFL Draft, he was selected in the first round by the Baltimore Ravenswith the 26th overall pick. Lewis would eventually earn his undergraduate degree in Arts and Science in 2004 at the University of Maryland University College.

Baltimore Ravens

The fifth linebacker selected in the 1996 NFL Draft, many scouts considered him to be too small to play linebacker. Lewis earned USA Today's All-Rookie team honors after leading the Ravens in tackles (110) in the 1996 season. His 15 tackles for loss led the NFL. He added 2.5 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and an interception on the season.

Lewis recorded an NFL best 184 tackles in 1997, earning his first Pro Bowl berth at the end of that season. In addition, Lewis totaled 4 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 11 pass deflections.

In 1998, Lewis made his second trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 120 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble, and 7 pass deflections leading the Ravens in tackles for the third consecutive season. He was also named to The Sporting News All-Pro Team. In what would prove to be Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders' final game, Lewis and the rest of the Ravens defense held him to just 41 rushing yards.

In 1999, Lewis led the NFL in tackles with 168. He was named to a third straight Pro Bowland was named to the All-Pro 1st team. He also totaled 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 8 pass deflections,safety, and a forced fumble. Lewis also won the 1999 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year chosen by past NFL ALUMNI professional players, who chose according to the position in which they played.

In 2000, Lewis led a defense which set a 16-game single season record for fewest points allowed (165) and fewest rushing yards allowed (970). The team recorded four shutouts, one shy of the single season record. The unit finished 1st league-wide in six key defensive categories. Lewis won Super Bowl XXXV MVP honors, Defensive Player of the Year honors, earned a unanimous All-Pro selection, and was once again named to start in the Pro Bowl. Lewis' regular season total of 137 tackles once again led the Ravens, and Lewis added 31 tackles, two interceptions, nine pass deflections, one fumble recovery and a touchdown in the four game playoff run.

In 2001, Lewis earned his 5th consecutive Pro Bowl selection when he led the NFL in tackles 162 and earned 1st-team All-Pro honors. Lewis scored a touchdown in the 2002 Pro Bowl. In the Raven's 2 playoff games Lewis totaled 17 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 pass deflection.

Lewis was the leading vote recipient for the 2003 AP All-Pro team, earning 49 of 50 votes. He also won the annual AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 43 votes out of 50. Additionally, Lewis earned Pro Football Weekly, PFWA and Football Digest Defensive MVP honors and was named to Dr. Z's Sports Illustrated All-Pro team, Pro Football Weekly's All-NFL team, Pro Football Weekly'sAll-AFC team, Football Digest's All-Pro 1st-team, and The Sporting News' All-Pro team..

In 2004, Lewis was named 1st-team All Pro by the AP, 2nd-team "All Pro" by College and Pro Football Weekly and Football Digest, and "All Pro" by The Sporting News. He finished the season with 146 total tackles, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 fumble forced, and 6 pass deflections.

Lewis' 2005 season was cut short by a week 6 injury. He was placed on injury reserve in week 8, having amassed 46 tackles, a sack, an interception, 2 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in the season's first 6 games.

In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to an NFL best ranking in 14 major defensive categories, including total yards allowed, points per game allowed, and interceptions. The Ravens also finished second in sacks, take-aways, and rushing yards allowed. Lewis missed two games due to injury but still recorded 103 tackles, a personal best five sacks, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 14 Games.

In 2008 Lewis led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game while totaling 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 9 passes deflected. He was named a starter to the Pro Bowl (his 10th) and was named an Associated Press1st Team All-Pro for the sixth time.

In 2009 Lewis was named 1st team All Pro by the Associated Pressfor the seventh time (9th selection overall) and named to his eleventh Pro Bowl. Lewis accumulated an AFC-leading 134 tackles on the season. He also added 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 7 passes deflected. Lewis added 21 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection in 2 playoff games. In the Sept. 2009 issue of Sporting News' Magazine, Lewis was selected to their Team of the Decade (2000's).

At the conclusion of the 2009 season, Lewis has career totals of 1,770 total tackles (1,349 solo), 14 forced fumbles, 105 passes defended, 94.5 tackles for loss, 36.5 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, 28 interceptions, one safety and two touchdowns in 194 game. Lewis has been selected to eleven NFL Pro Bowlgames, a record for an Inside/Middle Linebacker, in his fourteen seasons and led the NFL in tackles five times (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004). In 2003, Lewis led all linebackers with six interceptions, a total matching the post-merger all-time record for a middle linebacker in a single season. Lewis was named 1st team Associated Press All-Pro in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2nd team All-Pro in 1997 and 1998. In 13 career playoff games Lewis has totaled 130 tackles (85 solo), 1 sack, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions for 54 yards, 13 pass deflections, and 1 touchdown.

Reputation

Throughout his career Lewis has built a reputation as a leader and intimidating force at middle linebacker. He has led his team in tackles in nine of his eleven seasons. His defenses are consistently ranked among the best during his stint. The Ravens did not allow a single 100-yard rusher in 51 consecutive games from the 1998 through 2001 season. In addition to his run defense Lewis has also gained a reputation as a complete defender. Since the murder allegations, Lewis's image has slowly recovered, and today he is considered one of the most dominant linebackers in the history of the National Football League.Lewis was also selected as the third best linebacker of all time on the show The Sports List. A poll of NFL coaches selected Lewis as the most dominant player in the NFL before the 2003 season by being mentioned on ten ballots while no other player was mentioned more than twice.

Personal life

Lewis was born in Bartow, Florida. He has been heavily involved in charitable activities throughout his professional career. Lewis started the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation which is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth.

Lewis has since been involved in pressing political, business, and philanthropic leaders for a stronger commitment to disability sports both here and in the developing world. Lewis was also honored with a JB award (named in honor of CBS broadcaster James Brown) during the 2006 off-season and received the "Act of Kindness" Award for his work in the community.

He is the older brother of a former University of Maryland running back . He has a son, Ray Lewis IV, who plays quarterback at Lake Mary Prep and was named to the Football University Youth Projects Bowl.

On May 11, 2010, a portion of Baltimore's North Avenue was renamed "Ray Lewis Way" in honor of the linebacker and all of the charitable work he's done for the city.

Career highlights and awards

· 11× Pro Bowl selection; (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) · 9× All-Pro selection (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009) · Super Bowl champion (XXXV) · Super Bowl XXXV MVP · 2× AP NFL Defensive Player of Year (2000, 2003) · 3× AFC Defensive Player Of The Year (2000, 2001, 2003) · 2× NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year (1999, 2003) · 2× All-American (1994, 1995) · Record 11 Pro Bowls for an Inside/Middle Linebacker[1] · NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Comments

[Old Skool]

Yesss

[86Cane]

Uh huh. Takin' them to skool, old skool!

[Old Skool]

Gracias Soup

Ray Lewis I can't argue with that.

And now back to a previous post.

Nice looking water, Solar, although it looks like you hit Unicoi at the hottest part of the day.

[86Cane]

We will hit that one up for sure a few times especially in the fall when you guys come up on fishing weekends.

I took a couple pics the bass are small but were fun as heck on the light tackle.

Posted by: solarcane | June 14, 2010 at 06:29 PM

It's not the size of the bass in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the bass.

[CaneSawMassacre]

Cat --- IN regards to Latwan from last blog

Oh def. special teams play..

def..

maybe a play or two on offense but he is a defensive BALLHAWK.. HE NEEDS TO PLAY DEFENSE. I THINK HE COULD START AS A TRUE FRESHMEN. NO LIE

[bg1906]

Florida gets 3 out of the top 10 best high schools in America, 5 out of the top 17. Impressive as hell.

http://www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools/list.html

Posted by: solarcane | June 14, 2010 at 07:10 PM

Solar.

My wife is an English Teacher at #33, but this is here last year teaching as she begins a new job in the federal government on June 28.

[IndianapolisCane]

Bringing the wife down for the Va Tech game. Any hotel suggestions? Looking at Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach

[86Cane]

Great choice for #5. He might have been number 4, but five is preeeeetty good.

I like the top 5, except for #1.

[86Cane]

Bringing the wife down for the Va Tech game. Any hotel suggestions? Looking at Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach

Posted by: IndianapolisCane | June 14, 2010 at 08:18 PM

Hampton Inn Plantation.

[CaneSawMassacre]

Six - do you know of anybody who has a White Ford University Of Miami Pick Up Truck. It is all White with Green liners. Then it has U logos on the back and sides with a big Sebastian on the rear window. And in metal lettering it spells out university of miami on the tailgate.

[Cat 5 Cane]

IN regards to Latwan from last blog

Oh def. special teams play... By CSM

When I watched him running that 200 relay with maybe starting 10 yards behind the front 3... and he smoked those guys to win... I said WOW! as I watched it, at least 6 times... He is FAST and he's got size!!!

Originally, I was thinking maybe Storm or MJ or Davon J or Kendal T or Collier but now leaning towards Latwan...

Of coarse there is always Benji but I truly think he is too small and needs bulk.

Go ahead and ask... Was I impressed?... Ohhh yeah!

[Cat 5 Cane]

5's the name and Lewis still has game...

NICE!!!

[solarcane]

Cat,

Can you imagine Lewis coming back to be linebacker coach, then DC here.

I would love to see the mental toughness our entire team would take on.

[windy1]

I forgot just how dominant Lewis was in his 3 years at UM. Back in the 1990s in the old Orange Bowl, I watched him make a tackle after tackle, and I immediately concluded that he was the best LB I had ever seen play live. He had a relentless tenacity that was unmatched.

[raizecane]

Is it worth it??

Ungar LOL!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | June 14, 2010 at 01:55 PM

Hoping to get it for Fathers Day.

360 - I am on the PS3. Been watching E3 all night and that Assasins Creed looks pretty cool. Shawn White skateboarding....not so much.

[solarcane]

bg,

You should be proud as heck of her and her former school. Think of how many schools were surveyed and only 100 made it in.

[solarcane]

Great choice for #5. He might have been number 4, but five is preeeeetty good.

I like the top 5, except for #1.

You won't be alone lol!

[solarcane]

windy,

I hear you,
Lewis and Rohan didn't care anything about their body or health, they were going to make the play.

[solarcane]

soup good job
tweaking the top five presentation
thank you

This last five would make the Top Five US Athletes That Made You Proud.
Amazing they are all Floridians!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Yea Cat I'm thinking he can do some special teams but when you watched the highlights and the INTS did you see his closing speed on the ball? When he breaks onn to a pass? When he goes and gets the ball at its highest point and he has the ability to take the INT to the house. We need that on defense. WE hahve those people on offense.

[canechic]

Virginia is not going to Omaha, Wow!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Dang this place is slow...

[CaneSawMassacre]

Canechic my lady on the side how are u doing?

[canechic]

Hanging tough! Trying to get finished with BA and on to Law school.

[CaneSawMassacre]

geeeeez. An educated and determined woman. LOL I'll stop before angry comes on here and gives me a piece of his mind and his fist.

[CaneSawMassacre]

BG I've seen a lot of different WR lists. I've seen a lot of down talk on our only WR commit for 2011 Eli Rodgers with the apparent understanding from some insiders that his commitment is contingent upon us not getting 1 or 2 guys ahead of him on our ranking board.

I really like what he brings to the table. I like Dorsett/Wynn though I think they are the same style of player who utilizes their speed too much at times and they will get challeneged at the next level if somebody is in their face.

K.Benjamin worries me do you have more film on him? They have limited film on rivals and it is solid but it is like 6 catches from belle glades.

Watkins I would love to have but some say he is a gator lock. I hope not because we look solid with Dallas Crawford.

This DB class is LOOKING NICE!!!

Louis Jean/Gorman/Crawford/ Roberson maybe one more if another STUD wants in.....

but the WR situation perplexes me because I love Eli Rodgers film he knows how to make the catch in traffic, he knows how to make a play on crucial 3rd downs when his team needs a first, or crucial plays when his teams needs a TD.. He is deceptively quick and he GETS OPEN. His hands are BAR NONE the best out of all the WR's and he has a connection with Teddy.. That has to count for something right?

[CaneSawMassacre]

I like the physical attributes of Ja'juan Story out of Brooksville Nature Coast High School but I know that area and I'm concerned about the level of competition.

He looks like a man against boys out there.

Doesn't mean he WON"T BE AMAZING... I just hope he has a great support system and that he is a humble kid who is already "the hardest worker and willing to be the hardest worker" going to college. If he does, he will BE AN ALL AMERICAN.. If he doesn't he could turn into another shell shocked kid from the podunk who thought he was the sh*t.

[86Cane]

Can you imagine Lewis coming back to be linebacker coach, then DC here. I would love to see the mental toughness our entire team would take on.

Posted by: solarcane | June 14, 2010 at 09:39 PM

OK, I might have got a little excited when U said that. LOL

[86Cane]

soup good job
tweaking the top five presentation
thank you

Posted by: solarcane | June 14, 2010 at 09:51 PM

U know what we say:

"Even a blind squirrel...

[86Cane]

Solar...Numbers 2, 3 and 4 are solid as a rock. But I have to tell U that I'm feeling a little anxious about #1.

I think some defacation is gonna hit the rotary oscillator!

[solarcane]

aight nothing good...

catch you guys tomorrow

[SOUP]

Coach Shannon is coming around.

After midnight...

[CaneSawMassacre]

LOL either... NOBODY Cares what I'm talking about in regards to these recruits or their clueless..

SOUP WATCHa THINK

[CaneSawMassacre]

LOL either... NOBODY Cares what I'm talking about in regards to these recruits or their clueless..

SOUP WATCHa THIjj

[Six]

Canesaw - na, I've never seen that truck before

[Six]

Ray Ray was also the Class 4A State Wrestling Champ at Lakeland Kathleen High School

[Cat 5 Cane]

Just for 12 percenters... But caution needed here... need to drag out the old fatigues and put them on before reading this... then 2 swigs of straight O and G (Not diluted) and get your tickets in hand.

OK... you ready?

Miami Hurricanes 2010 College Football Predictions - 2011 BCS Odds

Miami Hurricanes 2010 College Football Predictions - 2011 BCS Odds: The 2010 Miami Hurricanes are not just in pursuit of their first ACC championship but also a BCS championship in Randy Shannon’s 3rd year. With outstanding speed and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball, the Hurricanes have the guns to stand toe-to-toe with anybody in the nation. Last year’s 9-4 finish and close bowl loss to Wisconsin was respectable but the 2010 Miami Hurricanes want to return to the dominant U squad that they once were. The road won’t be easy with a rocky early schedule, but possible Heisman Trophy candidate QB Jacory Harris and a lightning quick defense, gives the ’Canes an outside shot at their first national title since the 2001 team.

The 2010 Miami Hurricanes 2011 BCS Odds have Miami at +2000 at Sportsbook.com.

College Football Predictions Offense: Miami’s offense is loaded at the skill positions and has one of the most talented quarterback in the nation in strong-armed Jacory Harris. Harris has a fleet of big, fast and physical wideouts to target out of the pro-style offense. Harris is mistake prone but if he can cut down on his mistakes the ‘Canes passing game will be among the nations best. The running attack is loaded with four tailbacks that have starting ability. The O-line looks thin on paper but should be above-average.

College Football Predictions Defense: Miami’s defense that ranked 37th in points allowed returns eight starters and has the potential to be as good as the 2002 version that landed them in a BCS Championship game. The Hurricanes have impact players at all three levels. Projected All-American DT Allen Bailey leads a deep set of linemen that should be among the best in the nation. Linebackers Sean Spence and Colin McCarthy are sideline-to-sideline tackling machines. CB Brandon Harris is a true shutdown coverman that leads a group of track stars out of the secondary.

Coaching/Special Teams: Miami head coach Randy Shannon has done a brilliant job recruiting but the play-calling on the field has been just O.K. Special teams has a good punter/kicker in Matt Bosher and the team speed on special teams is impressive.

Swell your College Football Betting Bankroll on the 2011 BCS Odds with our Expert ACC Football Predictions at Sportsbook.com and get a 50% Sign Up Bonus and $50 Free Bet!!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Solar...

Do you think he would, after he leaves the game... He's got more rahrah in him then a box of Sugar Snaps with extra honey on top and Just the thought of Lewis coming back gives me a woody... LOL ... think about all of the future Hall of Famers getting in line to sign-up and play for Ray... Then again, think about all of the bitching we would be hearing about all of those 5 stars coming to the U.

man ya can't...LOL

[Cat 5 Cane]

Man, ya can't win...

[Cat 5 Cane]

After 4 cups of coffeeeeeee... I wonder how much it would cost to buy Randy out of his contract and hire Ray as the HC and put Randy back in at DC, making Lovett his assistant.... Hmmmm, I wonder if I'm putting too much sugar in my coffee?... Ya think?

Morning Coffee Commando!

[Cat 5 Cane]

News Flash... Shalala passes out at meeting!!!

Tell us Ray, how would you improve Miami image?... Oh, That's easy. First I would get the biggest, baddest MFer's in the country to come in here and I would teach them how to tear off a DB's head and stuff it up his ass, then I'd show them the QB crackerjack, yeah, that's where you dislocate the arm from the shoulder with a MF'n forearm smack right there... Bamb! What about the academics?... Fuc the academics, they can go back to school after they finish their Pro career!

Just saying!

[Cat 5 Cane]

LOL... I'm out to get more meds

[87' canes]

Go CANES !!!!!

[SOUP]

I'm out to get more meds

Posted by: Cat 5 in the 305 | June 15, 2010 at 07:40 AM

Time to double up!

[Cat 5 Cane]

NOW A BIT OF REALITY. SOMETHING THAT WORKS.

BP 'Excited' Over Kevin Costner's Oil Cleanup Machine, Purchases 32

Actor's Machine Designed to Separate Oil and Water,

BP: Tests Confirm Device Works

After actor Kevin Costner spent weeks calling attention to a high-tech oil cleanup device his company spent years developing, BP tested the machine and overnight released a statement saying that not only does the device work, officials are "excited" about its potential.

The actor talks about his oil separation invention."We were confident the technology would work but we needed to test it at the extremes. We've done that and...
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Broadcast/bp-excited-kevin-costners-oil-cleanup-machine-purchases/story?id=10916445

[Canez1]

Cat,

Can you imagine Lewis coming back to be linebacker coach, then DC here.

I would love to see the mental toughness our entire team would take on.

Posted by: solarcane | June 14, 2010 at 09:39 PM Sign me up for that move!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[canedolfan386]

canesaw i agree on rogers i love Us getting some earlys we need the momentUm goin into next year. also agree with cat 5 i already got my fatigUes on i woke Up in em. and if U dont Know now U know

[canedolfan386]

we got harris back the most loaded backfield and wr core in the nation we need a little bit better prodUction from oUr oline but i think its time for some of oUr 5 star linemen to step Up and take all acc honors jones and washington can both play and we will see it this year. also maybe best dline with the best d end in nation. deep in the secondary i think ints will be droppin in oUr hands like healthcare from obama. and lbs are all good except for the most important part of oUr d we need someone to carry on the legend of mlb U id love to see a star step Up only postion im worried aboUt bUt ive got faith im keepin the faith like billy joel canes nc in 11

[Cat 5 Cane]

CZ1...

There would be nothing else to say... Just Ray Lewis, but then again, some say, coaching doesn't matter...

Ray is a fundamentals sorta guy and would bring 100 percent intensity and concentration to assignments to every position on the field, whether he coached it or not... The guy is a magnet that draws unity from with-in.

Canes

[Canez1]

Cat so true. Just the energy coming off that guy would spread like crazy.

I don't think anyone thinks coaching doesn't matter. It is just overrated at times.

There are very few coaches that fall in to the "special" category.

Gotta have the horses and the trainers to keep them on the right track.

GO CANEZ!!!!!