Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. is a former American football linebacker who played all of his 17-year professional career for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played college football for the University of Miami, and earned All-America honours. Lewis was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft, and upon his retirement following the 2012 season, was the last remaining active player from the team’s inaugural season.
Lewis played middle linebacker his entire career, and is considered to be one of the greatest ever to play the position. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler, a 10-time All-Pro, and one of the few players in NFL history to play in a Pro Bowl in three different decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s). He is also considered to be the greatest Baltimore Raven of all-time.
When he was little, his stepfather used to be violent against his mother. To protect her, Lewis began doing pushups. He bought a deck of cards, and whatever card he flipped over, he would do that many pushups. He still does this same routine today. The background is made up of 52 playing cards, the number of cards in a deck, and the cards 5 & 2 are also showing (that’s why his jersey number is 52).
This piece was commissioned by Michael’s Cafe for display in their restaurant.