NFL Legend Ray Lucas Saves His High School Alma Mater's Football Season

Former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas wasn't planning on becoming a high school head coach.

But after an unexpected resignation — and some convincing from his daughters — Lucas took over at his high school alma mater, won his debut game, and was recently named the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week. 

Harrison (NJ) High School's football coach resigned one day before the start of fall practice, leaving the 2021 squad in flux. 

With Harrison's season in jeopardy of being canceled, Lucas' daughters convinced their father that he was the man for the job. Lucas took over the team, boosted participation, and on Sept. 17, won in his coaching debut, 19-6 over Emerson.

The team’s performance led to Lucas being named the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week for Week 3.

Lucas starred at Harrison High School in the late 1980s and early 1990s before playing quarterback for Rutgers University and in the NFL. He played the majority of his seven-year pro career as a backup for the Jets, bookended by stints with the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens.

Lucas retired in 2002. Before taking on coaching, he was a color analyst on the Rutgers football radio network. 

Below, watch Lucas talk with High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher about growing into his new gig.

Photo: AP/Evan Pinkus