Most people - if not all - believe Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will eventually have a Hall of Fame bust in Canton, Ohio.
For now, he'll have to settle for a plaque in his high school before he earns the honor at the professional ranks.
Lewis was inducted into the Kathleen High School Hall of Fame Tuesday evening during a ceremony in Lakeland, Fla.
The Lakeland native returned to his alma mater and spoke to the group of family, friends and former teachers and coaches.
"You can't relate to the importance of this," he said, according to the Lakeland Ledger. "I've lived here. I've trained here. All the things I've ever done in life are here. That is the one thing that is overwhelming to me."
The 10-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year wrapped a storied career for the Red Devils in 1993. He was the team's most valuable player as both a junior and senior, playing linebacker, running back and returning kicks.
He recorded 207 tackles with 10 sacks, five fumble recoveries and eight interceptions at linebacker, which eventually earned him a scholarship to the University of Miami.
Lewis was introduced by former Kathleen head football coach Earnest Joe.
"The magnitude of this will last a lifetime," said Lewis. "To be honored in this hall of fame is overwhelming."
