Ray Lewis never misses a good pass on or off the field. But these days, the Hall of Fame linebacker has his sights set on a different kind of goal: uplifting communities, inspiring youth and rebuilding neighborhoods in need.
For Lewis, this mission is personal. Raised by a young single mother, he became “the man of the house” by the age of 10. It was a tall order for a short kid. “But I learned early in life that you can’t let where you come from define where you’re going.”
That determination carried him from a tough childhood to football greatness. At the University of Miami, Lewis’s talent and leadership drew national attention. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996, he became one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL his-tory. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Yet, after years of triumphs on the field, Lewis’s greatest calling emerged beyond the stadium. “I don’t like when people come up to me and just want a photo. I’d rather they shake my hand and tell me who they are. Connection is what matters, that’s what changes lives.”
Today, Lewis spends his time mentoring youth, public speaking, philanthropy (his and others), and working to rebuild communities often left behind. His message, grounded in faith and resilience, is focused on imagination and hope. “People talk about ROI, which is Return on Investment. But I believe in return on imagination. That’s what gives us access to dream again, to imagine what’s possible for everyone.”
That vision brought Lewis together with real estate developer Steven Michael, CEO of the Banyan Group. When Lewis met Mi-chael, he knew that he was not only in front of a great business leader, but a humanitarian.
The two joined forces at Banyan Group to create the Banyan Lew-is Opportunity Fund, to create projects that combine social purpose with economic impact. That encompasses revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, while supporting working class residents with housing, education and mentorship.
“I teamed up with Ray Lewis to combine his trusted leadership and community driven mission with Banyan Group’s real estate expertise,” said Michael. “Our partnership focuses on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, delivering flexible housing solutions, and creating new vibrancy. We’re also generating both social and economic impact across Florida, Baltimore, and beyond.”
Lewis understands the importance of rebuilding from within. He’s done it his whole life. “Communities need community people to be role models and leaders. We’ve lost that. When I was growing up, kids played outside and people looked out for each other. It should be like that now.”
Hopefully it will be. Because Lewis and Michael share the belief that rebuilding neighborhoods are more important than constructing pretty buildings. Instead, their projects emphasize new prosperity to underserved neighbourhoods, with mental health, men-torship and opportunity.
“Ray’s passion is unmatched,” said Michael. “He brings a sense of purpose and heart to everything we do. This isn’t just about development, it’s about transformation. I have learned so much by witnessing Ray’s passion and drive to give back.”
This momentum has been spearheaded by Lewis’s relentless drive to perfect his leadership and personal development skills. He’s a student of people with a passionate drive to see the miracle of transformation. That’s why, when he met Michael, he knew he had met his match on a field larger than the one in Baltimore.
“When I met Steve I spent time talking with him and realized he is a rockstar. He doesn’t get the attention he deserves, but we leverage well together.”
They sure do. They both speak at prestigious conferences and share their wisdom about real estate, the importance of community and sustainable living.
The wisdom that Lewis imbibes is one that he has honed over the years. “The first thing I do in the morning is read self-help books, leadership books and every type of book that strengthens a human being.”
And one thing that Lewis does is share that strength. He visits schools, community centers and places of worship often speaking to young people (and adults) about life choices and leadership.
“I’m the son who grew up without a father. At ten years old, I made a promise that a man would never put his hands on my mother again. That was my motivation, to break the cycle.”
That drive evolved into a broader mission. Lewis is outspoken about youth violence, homelessness, and the need for stronger leadership across the country. “We have a leadership crisis,” he said. “We’ve replaced hugs with iPhones. We’re teaching money instead of history. It’s time to get back to what God created us for: to love our neighbor.”
That is why Lewis and Michael are reimagining what community means, from Florida to Baltimore and beyond. Together, they’re planning new commercial mixed-use spaces, housing, treatment and Mental Health Centers. This will combine affordable living with access to counseling, job training and mentorship. The ultimate goal is to empower residents to thrive, not just survive.
“I’ve lived in these neighborhoods,” Lewis said. “I know what they need. When I travel to a city I go to the toughest part of town, sit on a corner and just listen. You learn more that way than from any report.”
Lewis’s humility and relentless energy has inspired many peo
ple. “He’s got the energy of a saint on steroids,” said one friend. But, beneath the charisma is a deep conviction. “My soul is full and the mission remains. Together, I know all things are possible.”
For both Lewis and Michael this heart-based mission is concrete and ongoing. The two are proving that teamwork, faith and imagination can turn a belief into a blueprint for real change.
Lewis is all about change – it’s part of his enduring legacy. That legacy just might surprise you. “I don’t want to build big fancy buildings, I want to build moments.”
That is exactly what he does every day. It’s why Lewis chose Steve Micheal to build defining moments in life and in real estate. “Success is not what you have, but what you leave behind.”
What Lewis has left behind is no secret. He was recently award-ed the Legend of Mentoring award at the 2025 Mentor Gala. This award is a testament to the impact of Lewis’s all-encompassing heart inspired mission.
Lewis and Michael are proving that with vision, passion and commitment, strong communities can be built one person at a time.
