Ray Lewis is on a motivational hot streak

If you're a college team in need of some inspiration, don't call Tony Robbins or waste your time with Deepak Chopra.

The guy you need is Ray Lewis. Yes, the Ravens' middle linebacker/motivational speaker/good luck charm.

Lewis, a 13-time Pro Bowl player, spoke to the Loyola men's lacrosse game three days before their NCAA quarterfinal game against Denver and encouraged them to play with passion. The result: Loyola won, 10-9, to advance to its first Final Four in 14 years. (you can view the video on YouTube).

"The most important thing anytime you're dealing with big games is team," Lewis told the players. "That's where champions are developed -- through unselfishness to figuring out nothing else matters but the man that's beside me."

By my count, teams are undefeated in tournament play after listening to Lewis. It was nearly two months ago when he spoke to the Stanford basketball team before the NIT semifinals. Stanford went on to beat Massachusetts in the Final Four and Minnesota in the championship game.

Some might discount Lewis' influence. But players in all sports and at every level respect Lewis. That's why colleges call on Lewis and NFL players do the same. Lewis has been the "godfather of the NFL" for years because players from around the league call and text him for advice. The contact list on his cell phone is a who's who in the NFL. Maybe Lewis should give Ed Reed a buzz since the Pro Bowl safety is struggling with is commitment to football.

"Winning on Saturday doesn’t start on Saturday," Lewis told the Loyola lacrosse team last week. "It starts right now."

A lot of colleges have their good luck traditions. Auburn has the War Eagle, and Clemson has Howard's Rock. But if you're a team needing to get pumped up before a big game, your best bet these days is Lewis. My guess is his pre-game dance will cost you extra.


(espn.com)