Nearly a year after his death from an accidental overdose, researchers have determined that Ray Lewis III, the son of former NFL star Ray Lewis, suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
This diagnosis was made posthumously by Dr. Ann McKee, the director of the Boston University CTE Center, who found that he had Stage 2 of the condition, a brain disease often linked to football.
The Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) announced that CTE, which can only be confirmed after death, was suspected in Lewis III based on prior symptoms he exhibited. These included significant memory issues, erratic behavior, and impulsivity, which emerged years before his passing.
His mother, Tatyana McCall, expressed regret about her son’s early exposure to tackle football, stating, “Little did I know when I put my son in tackle football at age 5, I ran the risk of having to bury him 22 years later. If I had known the risks, I would have chosen differently. We need to wait until our children are at least 14 to let them play tackle football. It’s heartbreaking that a diagnosis can only come after death.”
Last July, an autopsy revealed that Lewis III died from an overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, with the death ruled accidental. He was found unresponsive in a central Florida home, surrounded by narcotics and alcohol, according to the Casselberry Police Department.
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Ray Lewis, reflecting on his son’s diagnosis, stated, “We are proud to honor Ray Ray’s legacy by educating our youth about football safety and supporting CTE research.”
Lewis III had a troubled but notable football career, playing for the Miami Hurricanes and later the Coastal Carolina University before finishing his college career at Virginia Union Panthers. He briefly played professional indoor football with the Wyoming Mustangs.
Dr. Chris Nowinski, CEO and co-founder of the CLF, emphasized the importance of Lewis III’s story in advancing CTE research and treatment. “We thank his family for their dedication to research, education, and improving football safety,” he said. “Through brain donation, grieving families are helping to make the sport safer. It’s now our responsibility to act.”
