#36 From Rage to Rings: Ray Lewis’s NFL Journey and Unbreakable Mindset

What does it take to rise from abandonment, abuse, and poverty—and become the fiercest linebacker in NFL history?

Ray Lewis wasn’t just a force on the football field—he was forged in the fire of adversity. In I Feel Like Going On, Lewis takes us deep into his story: fatherless beginnings, relentless self-discipline, a near-career-ending scandal, and a comeback story for the ages.

Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the darkness and drive behind one of football’s most feared—and revered—leaders of all time.

🏆 Why pain became Ray’s comfort zone—and the fuel for greatness

🔥 How he turned childhood scars into unmatched discipline and intensity

💪 What it means to chase demons and why some of the best are driven by their darkest wounds

🧠 How Lewis simplified the game—and life—into one relentless principle: beat the man in front of you

💡 Why leadership isn’t always about talking—it’s about showing up, even when it hurts

Ray’s story is raw, physical, emotional—and deeply human. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, you’ll walk away with lessons on identity, drive, and how to finish what you start.

🎧 Ready to redefine what toughness really means? Press play now.

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Buy the book: I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, and Glory 

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Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Ray Lewis's Early Life

06:04 The Impact of Abandonment and Family Dynamics

14:04 Finding Solace in Sports: The Role of Football

21:40 Mindset and Identity: The Essence of Competition

28:00 Confronting the Past: A Father's Absence

28:58 The Burden of Legacy

31:19 Channeling Anger into Motivation

33:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery

35:42 Wrestling with Identity and Experience

37:41 Cross-Training and Skill Transfer

40:03 Chasing Demons for Motivation

42:54 The Road to the State Title

44:34 The NFL Draft Journey

56:45 Trivia and Early Career Insights

57:21 The Rise of Ray Lewis

58:53 Controversy and Resilience

01:00:55 The 2000 Ravens Defense

01:02:17 Super Bowl Glory and Personal Triumph

01:04:25 Reconnecting with Family

01:06:49 Transforming Pain into Purpose

01:08:24 The Comeback Journey

01:11:15 The Power of Purpose

01:15:27 Life Lessons from Ray Lewis