Ray Davis receives Mental Health Awareness Advocacy Award

Ray Davis is a tremendous football player, but he is an absolutely incredible human being. The Mental Health Advocates of WNY honored Davis with the 2025 Advocacy Award for his relentless work in reducing the stigma around mental illness. Davis worked with countless children and young adults to help spread awareness of mental illness.

Davis spoke to reporters before the ceremony about why this is such an important issue for him. He said, “We know in the mental health world, as an athlete, it is very monumental. It is very rough because most people think we are just athletes, and we don’t go through things. And I want everyone here to know that I’m a person too. I’ve got feelings and I’m a human being. I know some people say, ‘You play in the NFL. You’re special. Not a lot of people can do the things you do.’ Right? But at the same time, I go through the same issues and the same problems as everyone else. So I want everybody to know you’re not alone.”

Channeing what he tells the youth he works with, Davis continued, “Maybe I can get some advice from what you’re going through and maybe you can learn something about what I have gone through.”

Ray Davis is now one of three former Kentucky players on the Buffalo Bills after the team selected Maxwell Hairston and Deone Walker in the 2025 NFL Draft. Buffalo is basically becoming Kentucky North.

In his acceptance speech, Davis said, “I will continue to make strides and impact this city. Children need to be loved, they need the foundation.”

Davis keeps making Kentucky proud.

Honored to honor @Ray_Davis07 tonight for Mental Health Advocates for his critical work in the foster care system.

This man is AMAZING and so caring! He has a true Buffalo heart! 🫶🏼#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/9BPDGp5TXQ

— Kate Glaser (@KateGIaser) May 2, 2025