Adversity Turned Opportunity The Rebrand Of Ray Lawry
Report by Michael Rosen
Ray Lawry ( pictured in all black) training an athlete at First Down Performance.
(Photo Credits Taylor Brown/Ohtay Productions)
The outbreak of COVID-19 caused millions of people to lose their jobs in industries across the country. One of the hardest hit industries was sports as every major professional and amateur league was forced to halt play, leaving the future of thousands of players from less established leagues in question. One such player is Ray Lawry who was a running back on the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL.
Lawry had built up an impressive football resume before ever putting on a Battlehawks uniform. He is the all-time leading rusher in Old Dominion University history in addition to holding the rushing record for the entire state of Virginia. He led the Monarchs to a 24-20 victory over Eastern Michigan at the Popeyes Bahama Bowl in 2016. After rushing for 133 yards on 23 attempts and adding 14 yards on two receiving attempts for a total of 147 yards, Lawry was named Offensive MVP for the game.
Ray Lawry in competition against Marshall University.
He eventually made his way into the NFL and had stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs before ending up with the Hamilton Tigercats of the CFL, his final stop before his tenure with the Battlehawks. Unfortunately COVID-19 left Lawry without a league to play in, and he eventually decided to use the time and his skills to help others who are eagerly awaiting the day they can step on the field again.
“Everyone had to go back home without knowing when the next opportunity would be and no one knew how long it would last,” he said. “After sitting at home for a couple of months I started thinking about what I could do and what ways I could stay ready. I eventually made the decision to start training high school and college athletes, which also allows me time to run drills and work on my own craft.”
Lawry gained experience mentoring kids at camps hosted by his coach in college, and he also had worked as a personal trainer for weightlifting. Prior to these untimely circumstances he had never did one on one skill training, and the thought of starting his own business never really crossed his mind. All of that changed with the pandemic, and he has since created First Down Performance which serves to train football players of all ages and all positions in the DMV metropolitan area.
Ray Lawry at practice with the XFL’s Battlehawks
It did not take long for First Down Performance to get off the ground and Lawry has already secured multiple sponsorships for his business as it continues to grow. He did so primarily by reaching out to equipment manufactures on Instagram and telling them about his journey as a player. Some of the companies he has partnered with include Kettlebell Kings and The Webby who make a unique type of agility ladder.
“Most agility ladders are straight, but their ladders go 360 degrees,” Lawry said. “It really gives you a lot of leg and hip movement while you’re using it. It’s unique and different and they’re a really cool company to work with. They’re also new and growing at a fast pace, so we’re a part of each other’s success.”
Ray Lawry instructing First Down Performance athletes through agility drills.
(Photo Credits/Ohtay Productions)
Even though Lawry’s business has experienced early success, he is hoping to resume his playing career once the pandemic subsides. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee a new league like the XFL will be able to return after the financial strain caused by COVID-19. Starting his own business has opened Lawry’s eyes to a career he had never considered until recently.
“At the end of the day what I’ve learned is that you have to control what you can control,” Lawry said. “You have to be ready for anything. You never know what’s going to happen. I want to have all my priorities straight and be ready when it’s time to go, but if the XFL doesn’t come back or I don’t get picked up then I still have something that I’ve been working on”.
“My dream was always football and then to eventually maybe be an agent. But once [COVID-19} hit I, like a lot of people, found a passion I didn’t think I had. I enjoy being a personal trainer and a private coach. Times are kind of hard right now and they’re different, but you have to capitalize on whatever happens. You have to face adversity and overcome it.”
Those interested in personal training and coaching from Lawry can follow him on Instagram @rlawry33 and First Down Performance @firstdownperformance.
Report: Mike Rosen (instagram/mikeyrosen75)