Ray Lewis Day thrills Baltimore Ravens legend as he's embraced by fans on Eastern Shore

As Baltimore Ravens NFL legend Ray Lewis traveled down the picturesque streets of Pocomoke City, Maryland, his heart filled with gratitude. In that moment, as he looked out over the quaint town, he was reminded of something — home.

The pro football hall of famer and former linebacker, who played his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, made a special appearance on the Eastern Shore on Saturday, Oct. 7.

In honor of Lewis, his fruitful football career and treasured team, the triadic color scheme of purple, black and metallic gold dotted the Lower Shore as far as the eye could see.

"It reminds me of my hometown," Lewis said of Pocomoke City, a bright smile on his face.

"Country; really laid-back; Southern accents. The hospitality is just through the roof. It's just beautiful. And that sunset sitting over that river right now — yeah," he added with a nod of his head.

The day, which has since officially been declared "Ray Lewis Day," did not disappoint.

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From tender meet-and-greets with fans to an inspiring award ceremony to a night chock-full of fun, Pocomoke City was nothing but kind to Lewis, as well as his plus-one and dearest fan — the legendary linebacker's mother, Sunseria Smith.

Lewis, a mama's boy at heart, could not imagine spending the day with anyone else but his mother.

"I've always wanted to make my mom smile, since I was 10 years old. I've always said that, if I make my mom smile, I'm doing the right things," he said.

In Lewis' opinion, who better to share the celebratory day with than the woman who brought him into this world and made him the man he is today.

From small town in Florida to big city of Baltimore

Lewis grew up in the small town of Lakeland, Florida, where he developed a strong passion for football — and one which ultimately changed the trajectory of his life.

"There's a warm feeling that comes with being here in Pocomoke. It reminds me of home. It reminds me of where I came from, where I started from and all of those good things," he said. "As soon as I was riding down, me and my mom were like, 'This is just like home.' "

One moment from his career that stands out the most for Lewis is the day he was drafted to the Baltimore Ravens. Without that singular moment, Lewis admitted, he would not be where he is today.

Lewis will never forget his phone call with Ozzie Newsome Jr. — the vice president of player personnel from 1996 through 2001 — who told a 21-year-old Lewis to pack his bags for Baltimore.

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"I was on the phone with (the Green Bay Packers) at the time, who was supposed to draft me the 27th overall pick," Lewis shared. "Ozzie Newsome said to me, 'We're drafting you to Baltimore.' I said to him, 'Baltimore who? Baltimore doesn't have a team.' "

The Baltimore Ravens, who were entering their inaugural season in the National Football League, selected Lewis 26th overall in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft.

Lewis was the Ravens' second-ever draft pick, and his teammate, Jonathan Ogden, was the first.

"I said (to Ogden), 'Look, I know it's different because it's not a recognizable team, and we're starting over. But, imagine bruh, if we start this — me and you start this — and bring this city a winner's mentality."

That particular memory, for Lewis, encapsulates the magic of his entire career.

"I could talk about Super Bowls. But, from the foundation, I had a vision of what I wanted to do in this city, what I wanted to do in this culture, what I wanted to do with Raven Nation," Lewis said.

The former linebacker became a Super Bowl champion twice in his 17-year career.

Lewis was named the game's MVP in the Ravens 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. He also had a solid game in Baltimore's 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, reported Sports Illustrated.

After officially retiring from the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, Lewis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. It's a honor which he continues to cherish to this day.

"When you're blessed to have the career I had, you're not surprised," he said. "You're honored."

An "American Legend Award" for the hall of famer

Lewis was personally invited to Pocomoke City on Oct. 7 for the second installment of Dock Jam.

The event was hosted by husband-and-wife duo Caitlin and Jamie Evans, owners of local restaurant and bar Dockside, and Andrea Sims, president and founder of Lion’s Share Communications, Inc.

That night, Lewis shared the stage with an array of stars, including award-winning country music group Lonestar and classic rock cover band Six Gun Sally. Prior to the musical performances, Lewis was presented the "American Legend Award" by Jamie Evans, who complimented Lewis' demeanor.

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"Tonight is an absolute honor and privilege for my wife and I to hand off this award to Mr. Ray Lewis, who is Mr. Baltimore Raven," Jamie said. "When you think about the Baltimore Ravens, you always think about No. 52 sitting in the middle, saying, 'Not through here. You're not coming through here.' "

The crowd erupted in cheers as Lewis stood onstage soaking in the special moment.

"He was a Raven from beginning to the end, and still is a Raven," Jamie said.

Lewis was humbled to receive the award, a true testament to his life both on and off the field.

"When you get these types of awards — the 'American Legend Award' — it just means you'll be remembered forever," he said. "It's humbling, man. It's humbling because there's a lot of people who come on this Earth. But, if you could be remembered to bring hope, to bring peace, to spread love and to give people smiles, then that's a pretty good legacy to hold onto."

As a heartfelt thank you, Lewis was also handed a Key to the City by Pocomoke City Mayor Todd J. Nock and councilmember Esther Troast.

"Another key to a city," Lewis said with a laugh. "But regardless of how many I have, it's the moment that someone sat back and recognized my greatness outside of the football field, which is great. The other side of that is humanity, who you are as a person."

"I don't get excited because of what I have. I get excited because of who I have. I'm a child of God, and my whole gift is to spread love and give hope," he continued.

"I don't know what it gets you into, but it gets you into something," Mayor Nock said of the ornamental key. "Stay here as much as you want. Vacation here as much as you want. Thank you."

Mayor Nock then encouraged all residents to join him in recognition of the remarkable achievements and contributions of Lewis to the Baltimore Ravens, NFL and state of Maryland.

Lewis then made a promise to the town.

"Just know, this will not be my last time here. If Oct. 7 is my day, then I'm at least going to have to come back to go fishing every 7th, right? We're going to have to throw a bigger party every year. That's my commitment. We're going to find a way to celebrate this golden opportunity," he said.

The crowd was utterly delighted with Lewis' promise, cheering their praise.

"God, thank you," he added. "Baltimore, you're forever mine."

Lewis: Raven Nation is 'Who I am'

The NFL, a staple of American culture, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1920.

Lewis acknowledges its evolution, yet believes some of its most recognizable changes are not for the better. He, partly, blames the NFL's large presence on social media.

"Everything changes. The league is just different," Lewis said. "I can go back and say guys before me had it way tougher, played a tougher game, had less advanced equipment. Now, these kids have access (to tools) that I think will deflect chasing greatness."

According to Lewis, the best key to greatness is isolation.

"It's committing to something and never stopping, regardless of the applause. In today's era, they've got social media. We had none of that," he said. "Every great legend of anything can tell you one thing: most of the ride was lonely. So, in this day and age, it's a little bit different."

Nevertheless, he applauds the game of professional football. After playing with the Baltimore Ravens for as long as he did, the NFL legend could never see himself putting on another uniform.

"I couldn't see myself claiming no other city, no other culture, than Raven Nation. That's who I am," he said.

Lewis insists he cannot take credit for his success alone.

"When my name is etched in a small piece of Earth — and Oct. 7 will now be known as 'Ray Lewis Day' — I could take credit for that. But if it weren't for God and my mom, how could I?" he said.

Each day, he reminds himself that he's built for any challenge that comes his way.

"When I was younger, I always wanted to figure out, 'Why is life so hard? Why do I have to go through so much?' And then, a reality came to me one day — it's not why, it's why not," he shared.

Lewis believes that, in order to get through tough times, one must be tied to their faith.

"When things get so low, you have to be able to sit quietly with God and ask Him, 'What's my next mission?' " he said. "Most kids give up so quickly. My job is to give to them what I did not have."

"Here You go again," Lewis said, his gaze skyward, speaking directly to God. "Another blessing."

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens icon, an 'American Legend' on his own day