10 Miami football players rivals hated the most
Ray Lewis stated he signed with the Miami football program after being offered the last scholarship the Hurricanes had available. Lewis made an impact as a freshman starting the final five games during the 1993 season. As a freshman Lewis had 81 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and was named a freshman All-American.
As a sophomore in 1994, Lewis set the program record with 152 tackles. Lewis followed up his 1994 season by breaking the Miami tackle record again by recording 160 stops. That record still stands. Lewis was a First-team All-American in 1995 and third-team All-American in 1994.
Check that, The U reminded me how much I hate Miami. Suck it, Ray Lewis. Go #Niners
— Ryan Larsen (@biglarsbrew) January 31, 2013
The hatred for Miami and the players that were a major part of dominant teams have lingered decades later. Social media is still rampant with fans that are open about their hate for Miami. A lot of the hate for Lewis came during his NFL career. For some fans that turned into hate for Miami.
Lewis finished his Miami career sixth in program history in tackles. The Baltimore Ravens selected Lewis 26th in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. The Most Valuable Player of Superbowl XXXV, Lewis anchored a legendary Baltimore defense that eventually included former Miami safety, Ed Reed.
Lewis became known for his pregame squirrel dance in the NFL. That was part of the near-mythical figure Lewis became in the NFL. The dancing and other on-field antics have been criticized by fans, the media, and players. Lewis retired as one of the best MLBs and polarizing players in NFL and Miami history.