Legendary Baltimore Ravens Running Back and Entrepreneur
As an NFL running back, Jamal Lewis, who played for both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, was hard to slow down. Now retired from the NFL, he is moving just as fast in the business world.
Ravens
Lewis is best known for his career as a Raven, where he helped the team win Super Bowl XXXV as a rookie. Lewis is also known for his outstanding 2003 season, where he rushed for 2,066 yards, which is third-most of all-time, behind Eric Dickerson and Adrian Peterson. That same year, Lewis also rushed for 295 yards in one game, which was the single-game record until Adrian Peterson rushed for 296 yards in 2007. Lewis was inducted into the Ravens’ Ring of Honor on September 27, 2012.
Drug Conviction
In 2004, following his third season, Lewis was arrested and convicted of conspiring with intent to distribute cocaine and using a cell phone in the commission of the crime. He credits the support and confidence of then-NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Ravens then-owner Art Modell and general manager Ozzie Newsome, for offering him a second chance.
Business
Lewis had many opportunities afforded by playing in the NFL, not only the networking and business introductions, but the preparation management and leadership skills that are part of being successful on the field and the importance of learning to apply those skills in the business world. In 2007, Lewis went a step further, attending the NFL’s Entrepreneurial Studies program at Harvard University’s Business School.
Real Estate
After he retired in 2009, Lewis, the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Ravens, was interested in real estate and began buying and selling properties, but he found the passion wasn’t there and began to look elsewhere for other opportunities.
Entrepreneurship
Lewis dabbled in the restaurant business, but quickly discovered he was more drawn to roles that involved sales, marketing and business development. Today, he’s the president of Southeast Exhibits and Metro Retail Solutions, spearheading signage at both Mercedes-Benz Stadium and SunTrust Park.
Mental Health and Mental Toughness - Be the Best Player You Can Be
Mindset: Humble beginnings and how the environment Jamal was raised created a mindset that helped him recognize his abilities as an athlete. Expectations: How he managed expectations being labeled as a highly ranked athlete. Level Head: Pressures of being a professional athlete and performing at a high level, day in and day out. How to balance competing for a position, staying healthy, performance and family in order to keep a level head to be the best player you can be.
No Books Found
As anticipated, Jamal was OUTSTANDING!! He did several media interviews on site both before and after speaking. He also stayed and signed autographs and took pictures with everyone that wait to meet him. His talk was on point and I know his honest, plain language storytelling resonated with our audience as did his down-to-earth demeanor.
- Kim Davidson, Community Health/Policy Specialist | University of Maryland Medical System
