Syracuse grieves the passing of NFL icon Raymond Seals

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)—The Central New York community is mourning the loss of Henniger High graduate, later to become the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineman, Raymond Bernard Seals, who passed away on April 5, 2025. In honor of his service to the Syracuse community, Seals was remembered in a memorial service that reflected the impact he had on those who knew him.

The service was filled with tributes, stories, and memories of Seals, who was a man of sheer determination and a work ethic that defied the odds, becoming a legend in both football and the community.

Ray's journey began in the city's East Side, specifically in Mulberry Square, where he later became a dominant player in the NFL. Many attendees believe that his achievements were a testament to his drive and belief that dreams are achievable, no matter where you come from.

“Mulberry Square, the whole housing projects, those places… they either mold you in a good way or a bad way if you allow them,” recalled Mark Hall, a longtime friend. “Ray allowed his surroundings to have a positive impact on him, and it just motivated him.”

Seals was known not just for his accomplishments, but for his generosity to the community along with his leadership in coaching. Carl Brown, a childhood friend and neighbor, shared, 'We always competed." So winning was the ultimate goal, and if you didn’t put your whole effort into it, we’d be talking about that all night.”

The Syracuse NFL stud lifted those around him, providing the strength and determination to anyone who needed it. Mike Cooper, another close friend, explained, “Ray was not going to stop. He was going to move anything out of the way to reach his goal, but when he did that, he brought all of us along with him.”

"Ray was not going to stop Ray. Ray was going to move Ray out of the way and do what Ray needed to do to reach that. But when Ray did that, he brought all of us along with him."- Mike Cooper

Cooper remembers the moment when that drive clicked for Seals, claiming, “If you didn’t know who Ray was, you wouldn’t suppose him to be anything but a really nice person. Some people are loud and boisterous, but Ray wasn’t. He let his work on the field do the talking.”

As the service came to an end, the powerful spirit of a man who touched many lives served as a reminder that no matter where you start, you can consistently achieve greatness if you set your mind to it.