The Ray Lewis Legacy: Where Are His Sons Now? The Tragic CTE Diagnosis Of Ray Lewis III And The Football Journeys Of Rayshad And Rahsaan

The sons of NFL legend Ray Lewis continue to navigate complex and high-profile paths, from collegiate football careers to heartbreaking personal tragedy, with the most significant and recent update being a posthumous diagnosis that has sent shockwaves through the sports world. As of December 2025, the legacy of the Hall of Fame linebacker is carried by his children, particularly the three sons who followed him onto the gridiron, each facing immense pressure to live up to the Lewis name while forging their own unique identities in the demanding world of football. The story of Ray Lewis’s sons is a compelling narrative of athletic promise, the challenges of a multi-transfer college career, and the devastating, long-term impact of concussions in the sport, highlighted by the recent, sensitive findings regarding his eldest son. The family's journey remains a focal point for fans of the Baltimore Ravens and college football, eager to see the next generation of Lewis athletes compete.

Ray Lewis's Sons: A Full Biographical Profile and The Tragic Loss of Ray Lewis III

Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, known for his intense passion and dominant presence as a Baltimore Ravens linebacker, is a father to six children. The spotlight shines brightest on his three sons who pursued football, each making their mark at multiple collegiate programs.

Ray Lewis III (RL3)

• Full Name: Ray Anthony Lewis III
• Date of Birth: May 31, 1994
• Date of Death: June 14, 2023 (Age 28)
• Cause of Death: Accidental Overdose
• Primary Position: Running Back / Defensive Back
• Colleges: University of Miami Hurricanes, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, Virginia Union University Panthers
• Key Update (2025): Posthumously diagnosed with Stage 2 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) by the Boston University CTE Center.

Rayshad Lewis

• Full Name: Rayshad Lewis
• Primary Position: Wide Receiver / Defensive Back
• Colleges: Utah State Aggies, Maryland Terrapins, Kentucky Wildcats
• Key College Achievement: Set freshman school records for receptions and receiving yards at Utah State.
• Current Status (2025): Last played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats, transferring there with his brother Rahsaan. His professional trajectory is closely monitored by NFL Draft trackers.

Rahsaan Lewis

• Full Name: Rahsaan Lewis
• Primary Position: Wide Receiver / Athlete
• Colleges: University of Central Florida Knights, Florida Atlantic Owls, Kentucky Wildcats
• Key Status: Known as a "triple transfer" due to his collegiate journey.
• Current Status (2025): Last played for the Kentucky Wildcats, appearing on several 2025 NFL Draft Scout profiles.

Ray Lewis is also father to son Ralin Lewis, and daughters Diaymon Lewis and Kaitlin Lewis.

The Heartbreaking Posthumous Diagnosis of Ray Lewis III: A CTE Revelation

The most significant and tragic update regarding the Lewis family in recent times is the posthumous diagnosis of Ray Lewis III (RL3) with Stage 2 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This diagnosis, announced by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, adds a devastating layer to the already tragic news of his death from an accidental overdose in June 2023.

Understanding the Stage 2 CTE Findings

RL3’s brain was examined by Dr. Ann McKee, the director of the Boston University CTE Center, who confirmed the presence of the degenerative brain disease. CTE, which is linked to repetitive head trauma, is often found in athletes who play contact sports like football. The diagnosis of Stage 2 (out of a possible four stages) suggests that RL3 was experiencing the progression of the disease, which can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, depression, memory loss, and impulse control issues. The revelation has reignited the national conversation about the long-term safety of football and the profound, often hidden, struggles faced by athletes, even at the collegiate level. The Lewis family's decision to share this sensitive information is a powerful contribution to ongoing research and awareness efforts about the risks of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Rayshad and Rahsaan Lewis: Forging Their Own Football Journeys in 2025

While the world mourns the loss of Ray Lewis III, his younger brothers, Rayshad Lewis and Rahsaan Lewis, continue their pursuit of professional football, determined to carve out their own careers away from the shadow of their father's legendary Baltimore Ravens legacy. Both athletes have demonstrated the tenacity and work ethic associated with the Lewis name, though their paths have been marked by collegiate transfers—a common trend in modern college football.

The Wide Receiver Duo at Kentucky

Both Rayshad and Rahsaan finished their college careers playing for the Kentucky Wildcats, a decision that saw them team up after individual stints at various programs. * Rayshad Lewis's Versatility: Rayshad, a wide receiver, was a standout at Utah State, where he set significant freshman receiving records, showcasing his speed and hands. His journey took him to Maryland before landing at Kentucky. This multi-stop career demonstrates the challenge of finding the perfect fit in a competitive athletic environment. His ability to play both wide receiver and defensive back highlights his athleticism and versatility, a trait often valued by NFL scouts. * Rahsaan Lewis's Athleticism: Rahsaan, also a wide receiver, is a classic "athlete" who transferred from Central Florida and Florida Atlantic before joining his brother at Kentucky. His collegiate career was characterized by flashes of potential, including a few catches and a touchdown during his time as a Wildcat. His presence on 2025 NFL Draft Scout profiles indicates that he, too, is exploring opportunities at the professional level.

The Pressure of the Lewis Name

Following in the footsteps of a Pro Football Hall of Famer like Ray Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, creates an almost insurmountable pressure. The sons, however, have chosen different positions—Wide Receiver and Defensive Back—avoiding the direct comparison to their father's iconic linebacker role. Their persistence, despite the constant scrutiny and the tragic loss of their brother, is a testament to their dedication to the sport. As of the 2025 football season, while neither Rayshad nor Rahsaan have secured a prominent, long-term position in the NFL, their presence on draft trackers and their extensive college football careers at high-level programs like Kentucky and Maryland confirm their commitment to the sport. The Lewis family's story remains one of profound athletic aspiration, deep personal tragedy, and a continued, powerful connection to the game of football.