About

First Down Performance is designed to give athletes the skills they need to excel in every aspect of life. First Down Performance is owned and operated by Ray Lawry. Ray was born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey where he went to Kingsway Regional High School and graduated in 2014. After being named 2x New Jersey All State Running Back his junior and senior year, Ray Committed to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

 

Old Dominion University:

There, he was named Conference USA freshmen of the Year as well as being named as team MVP as a freshmen. Ray then finished his career at Old Dominion breaking multiple records. He still currently holds all of these records which include but are not limited to; the all time leading rushing touchdown record and the all time leading rushing yards record. 

Along with these impressive records, Ray finished his career with 4,080 career rushing yards, making him the record holder for FBS college football in the state of Virginia to this day. Ray also finished top 3 in career rushing touchdowns and yards in the history of Conference USA. His Junior year of college, he was named MVP of the 2016 Bahamas Bowl. After his time at Old Dominion, Ray signed with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2018 season. He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs that season. After his time with the Chiefs, Ray played in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger Cats in their 2019 season. Following that, he played in the XFL with the St. louis Battlehawks in the season of 2020 where unfortunately the XFL season was cut short due to Covid 19.

"After my XFL season was cut short due to covid I had to think to myself how I could stay in shape and in football. Growing up I had the privilege of having mentors to help guide and push me to the next level. I always knew that one day I wanted to pay it forward myself. Football has taken me to a lot of places and has given me many opportunities and I've learned a lot along the way. From the game of football, to life lessons, and overcoming adversity, I hope to share the insights that I've gained with young athletes to prepare them for their future."

-Ray Lawry