NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis visits Naples to inspire young football players

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — NFL legend Ray Lewis visited Community School of Naples for a Pop Warner tournament between the Naples Hurricanes and Port Charlotte Bandits.

The Hall of Fame linebacker spent the day watching young players compete in the sport that changed his life. Lewis has been visiting Naples for more than two decades and wanted to give back to the community in a different way.

"It's looking at these little babies in uniforms, but one day they'll be men, right? So what are we teaching them?" Lewis said.

Lewis said that question drives his life after football—how to speak hope, discipline and leadership into young people. As a University of Miami alum, seeing the Hurricanes in their pads brought him back to his playing days.

"The memory of what did it, what does it mean to just be a part of it is, I think, that's the special part. Just you're a part of something," Lewis said. "You're a part of a team where you guys are building together."

Lewis said he sees himself retiring in Naples one day. He believes the biggest crisis facing society is a leadership crisis.

"I think human capital is the last thing people think about, and that's all I think about. How to make people better," Lewis said.

The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker said he plans to return to the area.

"You feel like you're in your own sanctuary when you come to Naples, and that's why I've always appreciated Naples," Lewis said.