Thirteen-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XXXV MVP Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime of Inspiration Award at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration concert on February 1, 2013 at 7:30 PM, at the University of New Orleans: Lake Front Arena. The Lifetime of Inspiration Award has only been presented once in the history of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration event to Former NFL Head Coach Tony Dungy in 2009, as it is reserved to celebrate extraordinary individuals who have impacted the sport and community.
This year’s Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will pay tribute to Ray Lewis for his faith-filled determination to overcome trials and tribulations on and off the field, while recognizing him for his remarkable football career. “His accomplishments and triumphs have inspired football fans, teammates and colleagues – a true representation of what the essence of the convergence of faith and football is all about,” says Melanie Few-Harrison, Creator & Producer of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. As a big supporter of the event, Ray Lewis has attended many Super Bowl Gospel Celebrations and sang in the NFL Players Choir, so we are beyond thrilled to honor him in what is sure to be a memorable year.”
The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, currently in its 14th year, joins together NFL players, Grammy Award-winning artists, and special guests, on one stage to kick off Super Bowl Weekend. Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Sherri Shepherd and seven-time Grammy Award-winning gospel musician, Kirk Franklin, will host the musical celebration. Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling artist and American Idol winner Fantasia will headline the show, which will include performances by top gospel and contemporary Christian artists Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, Bishop Paul S. Morton, and this year’s NFL “Players’ Choice” hip-hop Christian artist Lecrae.
The highlight of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is the NFL Players Choir. Composed exclusively of current and former players, the choir has become one of the most anticipated performances during Super Bowl Weekend. Celebrating its six-year anniversary, the NFL Players Choir includes more than 40 members, including Hall Of Famers and Pro Bowlers. Several Christian NFL players who wanted to share their faith through their musical talents in song formed the Choir. The group offers fans an opportunity to see a very personal side of the players off the field, as they make joyful noise.
Ray Lewis has played with the Baltimore Ravens since the team’s inception, and for his entire 17-year career. This year, he has decided to hang up his jersey and retire after he plays in his last game against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, February 3, 2013.
