“You can either make the play or you can watch the play be made.” Very few people can hype you up like Ray Lewis. Whether it’s a locker room before a playoff game or just a random Tuesday morning, the guy’s motivational energy is unmatched. For instance, comedian John Mulaney learned this firsthand over breakfast. Fresh off a failed sitcom pilot and down in the dumps, he was sulking by the craft services table, nursing some wounded pride, when boom—Ray Lewis shows up. Full intensity. Full Ray Lewis.

“You must win your crowd,” Lewis declared, then launched into a full-blown retelling of Gladiator that would’ve made Russell Crowe do a double take. Mulaney yawned, and Ray asked if he had a good breakfast. He then went on to share what has kept him healthy all his life. The secret to greatness that day? Not self-pity, not pancakes—juiced beets. Yes, really. So, that’s the story of how Ray Lewis convinced John Mulaney to change his diet. “Gentlemen, this is breakfast!” Mulaney bellowed, after switching his junk food with a juicer, and of course, beets. 

That’s the Ray Lewis effect. He turns everyday moments into scenes straight out of an inspirational sports movie. So, of course, when a chainsaw tried to hijack his speech on an Instagram reel, he didn’t just brush it off—he turned it into a moment. Picture this: Lewis, fresh off a brutal 50-mile bike ride, gets in front of his phone to drop one of his classic wisdom bombs. “Three things I want you to work on,” he starts, totally locked in. “Are you satisfied with where you are? Where are you headed?”

Just as he’s hitting his stride—BZZZZZZZZZ. A neighbor fires up a chainsaw. The timing couldn’t have been worse… or more perfect. Ray’s reaction? “And this chainsaw just messed up my motivational moment. Got to be more careful. Fifty miles and this man crank up the chainsaw in the middle of my speech.” But instead of getting mad, he rolled with it and used the interruption as a metaphor. Classic Ray.

“Take the distractions out of you,” he said. “Make sure you’re not stuck doing the same things looking for different results.” After that, he also adds, “Make sure you’re not around the wrong people trying to find happiness. Make sure that you’re in the right company.” Only Ray Lewis can drop spiritual clarity between chainsaw revs. But that’s kind of his thing—finding the message in the mess. He has been doing this his whole life, both on and off the field. Whether it was rallying the Ravens to a Super Bowl or turning beets into battle fuel, Lewis owns the moment like no one else.

And now? He’s taking that same high-octane energy to one of Baltimore’s biggest events—the Preakness Stakes.

Ray Lewis’s race goes on

Yep, Ray Lewis is stepping into a new spotlight as the host of the Preakness Infield Fan Zone. But this isn’t just some random celeb appearance. For Ray, it’s a full-circle moment. It’s home. The Preakness, held every year at Baltimore’s historic Pimlico Race Course, is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown and a huge deal for the city. It’s part tradition, part party, and all Baltimore. And this year, the Infield Fan Zone is getting a major glow-up, with Ray as the host, smack dab at the center of it all.

So what can fans expect? Think bottomless alcohol, a foodie’s paradise, live music, and epic views of the track. Plus, indoor and outdoor seating, live betting, and a vibe that’s part music fest, part sports event, and 100% Ray Lewis-style hype. But Ray’s not just there to smile for selfies. He’s the spirit of Baltimore—on and off the field. A Hall of Famer, two-time Super Bowl champ, and lifelong Raven, he’s also spent years giving back to the city. Through his Ray Lewis 52 Foundation, he’s supporting youth programs, pushing for STEM education, and helping fund local hospitals. This Preakness role? It’s just another way to connect with the people.

And honestly, who better to get the crowd going? The Preakness has always had a bit of a wild streak. Back in the day, the infield was legendary for its rowdy, bring-your-own-booze madness. Over time, it evolved into a more curated scene—like InfieldFest—and now, with the Fan Zone, it’s leveling up again. Ray Lewis is the perfect bridge between old-school Baltimore and the next-gen experience.

There’ll still be all the iconic traditions—the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans for the winning horse, the painting of the weather vane, the singing of “Maryland, My Maryland.” But now there’s also Ray Lewis yelling something inspirational while you crush a beer and place a bet. And if a chainsaw shows up mid-speech? You already know he’ll turn it into a teachable moment.

That’s the magic of Ray Lewis. He doesn’t need a mic drop. The mic just knows when to drop itself. So whether you’re showing up for the race, the party, the food, or just to witness Ray Lewis go full Gladiator mode in the middle of the Preakness—this year’s Infield Fan Zone is where the action’s at. It’s Baltimore pride, pure and simple. And with Ray at the helm, you better believe it’s gonna be one for the books.