Ray Sydnor

bio

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1958, Ray grew up in Baltimore City with his four sisters and parents, John and Eva Sydnor . A graduate of Northwestern High School, Ray lettered for three years in football and two years in basketball. He graduated as a High School All-American football and basketball player and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a full scholarship to play football. There he played football for all four years and basketball for three . During his senior year, he was selected as All-Big TEN Tight End and was subsequently drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He later was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles and was a member of their Super Bowl team in 1980.

Ray began to use drugs in high school at parties and with friends to build his self- confidence. At first it was a recreational habit, but as time went on he became more and more dependent on drugs as a social and mental crutch. In college, although playing outstanding football and basketball competitively, his life began to become complicated by his gradual addiction. After college graduation, in the NFL, Ray continued his drug abuse until finally it destroyed both his drive and initiative. As a result he was cut from the Eagles. Ray thought he could handle life, but his need for drugs ruined his football career and later stole years of his life. For 19 years, Ray was addicted to crack cocaine. After watching his life leave a trail of destruction and hurt, Ray began his recovery from addiction to crack cocaine in 1998.

Today, Ray travels around the nation as a national speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) “One Way 2 Play” Drug Free Program. Through his talks he is impacting thousands of young people challenging them to think about their life choices and to remain drug and alcohol free. He is using his life to tell youth about the dangers of drug abuse and to help them make smart decisions.

Additionally, Ray serves as Youth Pastor for the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City.  He formerly was the Youth Pastor for Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland, and was the FCA Director in Baltimore City.  Of the many people he has touched with his powerful testimony are the National Football League teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans, as well as at numerous schools and events. He also has been a guest on television shows that include BET Tonight, On Time, Café Baltimore and Straight Talk.

Ray is married to the former Patricia Gant and has six children.

Travels from: Maryland

Performance Fee: Call for quote

Travel Requirements: Airfare & Hotel for (1)

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