Courtesy Ray Mickens
Ray Mickens, left, on opening day of Lucky Buns, an eatery he franchises.
When the phone rang on draft day last April, Ray Mickens couldn’t help but flash back nearly three decades — to the call he received from the New York Jets in 1996.
Back then, Ray was the one pacing the room, heart pounding as his future in the NFL took shape. He eventually heard his name called by the Jets in the third round. However, this year, he watched from across the room as his son R.J. — a former standout at Carroll High School, team captain at Clemson and now a Los Angeles Charger — answered the call of every football player’s dreams.
At that moment, the game came full circle. The same discipline, determination and drive that had once carried Ray to the league now lived on in his son. But for the now-proud father of an NFL player, the story has never been just about football — it’s about family, legacy and the lessons learned along the way.
From the roar of college and NFL stadiums to the bustling concourses of major airports, Ray continues to build a life defined by discipline, vision and giving back. A standout cornerback at Texas A&M and a ten-year NFL veteran, Ray has seamlessly transitioned from professional athlete to a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and mentor who is inspiring the next generation.
Stepping Stones
Even while making plays on the field, Ray was quietly laying the foundation for a career off it.
In 1999, while still playing for the Jets, he made a modest $15,000 investment in a small pretzel and popcorn stand his uncle owned at the Philadelphia International Airport. What started as a side venture soon became a hands-on education in the food and beverage industry.
On his days off, Ray would drive from New York to Philadelphia to meet with airport officials, study operations and learn the fundamentals of airport concessions — from staffing and leases to customer service and supply chain management.
That early curiosity along with his gridiron work ethic paid off. Within a few years, he launched his first pizza concept, followed by new opportunities to operate newsstands, a Starbucks and a Qdoba Mexican Grill at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Those early successes laid the foundation for what would eventually become M2 Concepts, the hospitality and retail company he co-founded with his brother, Leonard, and dove head-first into after retiring from the NFL in 2006.
Today, M2 Concepts operates in nine airports across the country and manages 16 distinct food and beverage
Courtesy Ray Mickens
Mickens with the New York Jets
brands — including Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Pinkberry, Smoothie King and Qdoba. The company also has franchise and licensing agreements with Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Panda Express in airports all over the country.
Each expansion reflects the same mindset that once made Ray a respected NFL cornerback: preparation, consistency and teamwork.
Beyond the Field
A business and accounting major at A&M, owning a business had intrigued Ray since he was in high school. For many athletes, the transition out of professional sports can be disorienting, even overwhelming. Ray admits he faced his own challenges during that shift.
“I struggled, too — not monetarily, but mentally,” he said. “It’s tough changing careers, but I would say that the skills developed from many years of sports — leadership, teamwork, discipline and perseverance — definitely help in transitioning into a new career and season in life.”
One of M2’s newest partnerships, a Smoothie King in Terminal A at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, was particularly meaningful for Ray. As someone passionate about healthy living, he saw it not just as a business opportunity, but as a chance to bring nutritious options to travelers and airport employees alike.
Ray credits his academic background in accounting for giving him a strong foundation in business, particularly when it comes to understanding financial statements and making strategic investments. Leadership, he added, transcends both football and business.
“Football and business are very similar,” he said. “Leadership starts with who you are as a person. Serving and inspiring others are traits that are valuable when building a leadership team, not just experience.”
When selecting business partners or investment opportunities, Ray agrees that integrity is non-negotiable.
“Quality over quantity,” he said. “I look for integrity and consistency. The reputation you carry means a lot. I’ll only invest in what I know or who I know.”
Southlake: A Community of Opportunity
Being based in Southlake has profoundly shaped Ray’ approach to business and community engagement. While he operates in several locations across the country, he sees the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a particularly fertile environment for entrepreneurs.
“Being in this area has really influenced me, just by seeing other business owners’ success out here,” he said. “The family atmosphere and the various networking events truly make a big difference when you base your business decisions on relationships and trust. The people in this area, in my experience, have been genuine and willing to work together to help each other.
“It’s not always about what’s best just for you and your company — it’s about what’s best for our companies and communities, creating win-win outcomes.”
This community focus drives not only his business decisions but also his philanthropic efforts.
Courtesy Ray Mickens
Ray believes in leveraging his success to make a positive impact locally and nationally. A commitment to community has been a central part of life since his playing days. In 2004, he established the Ray Mickens Champions Fund, a nonprofit that supports youth programs and educational initiatives. The organization partners with schools, youth groups and faith-based organizations to enrich the lives of young people, providing mentorship, resources and opportunities for personal growth.
Annual events like its Celebrity Golf Tournament and various football camps raise funds to support these initiatives, while also creating avenues for engagement and inspiration.
Even as an entrepreneur, Ray balances the pursuit of profitable opportunities with a commitment to his personal values and family life.
“Not all good deals are good for you,” he said. “You have to have patience. Even if it’s profitable but doesn’t line up with who I am, I will pass. I’m really conscious about not taking away from family time and being there for my kids’ extracurricular activities.”
That philosophy extends to the way he builds his teams. For Ray, leadership is about more than credentials or experience — it’s about character and the ability to serve others. He encourages those around him to think beyond personal gain and embrace collaboration and mentorship.
A Vision for the Future
The lessons Ray learned on the field — discipline, resilience and teamwork — continue to shape how he lives, works and gives back. Watching his son R.J. take the field as a Los Angeles Charger brought that journey full circle, a vivid reminder of the legacy he helped build both as a player and as a father.
At the same time, Ray channels a work ethic molded on the football field into his businesses, growing M2 Concepts into a thriving enterprise while staying rooted in Southlake.
But for him, success is measured less by numbers or contracts and more by the opportunities he creates for others — from mentoring young athletes and entrepreneurs to building teams guided by integrity and collaboration.
Whether it’s a big win on the field, a Smoothie King opening in an airport terminal or a kid discovering their own potential at a football camp, Ray’ life is rooted by the successes of those around him.
For Ray, the story has always been bigger than the game.