As the host of the Pre-ESPY Charity Celebration in Hollywood, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III wasn’t just making an appearance — he was making a statement.
McCloud, who played in Super Bowl LVII with the San Francisco 49ers before signing with Atlanta in 2024, is entering his seventh NFL season with a renewed sense of belief, and he’s not shy about where he thinks the Falcons are headed.
The 28-year-old speedy wideout and returner spoke with PFSN’s Taylor Hartman for an exclusive interview that touched on football, music, legacy, and more.
Ray-Ray McCloud Believes the Falcons Are Built for a Super Bowl Run
When asked how he thinks the Falcons stack up against the rest of the league and what excites him most about second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., McCloud didn’t hesitate.
“Boy, I’m excited, and I’m not gonna be surprised by any of it,” McCloud told PFSN. “I’ve watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I’m just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes — go all the way to the Super Bowl.”
McCloud is expected to reprise his role as Atlanta’s No. 3 receiver after a career-best season in 2024 in which he recorded 62 receptions for 686 yards.
Ray-Ray McCloud III appreciation post
☁️ 62 catches (49th)
☁️ 686 yards (52nd)Not worried about WR3 position at all 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cuDfH8mCQQ
— Not Bijan (@InBijanWeTrust) June 19, 2025
With Penix having a full offseason to prepare as the Falcons’ starter and a supporting cast that includes Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts, and himself, McCloud sees a team that’s ready to contend as soon as this season.
Falcons WR Reflects on Charity, Community, and Giving Back
The Pre-ESPY Charity Celebration was held at Sunset Room Hollywood and raised funds for victims of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA. For McCloud, the event was more than a red-carpet moment, it was a reminder of what matters.
“Just the opportunity to put joy in someone’s life,” McCloud told PFSN. “Times is hard, [so it’s nice] to smile with things like this. Just doing this, having the opportunity to give back to all the people. Just seeing everything that went on, it’s a reminder that life can be taken, opportunities can be taken.”
McCloud hosting the event was both personal and purposeful. He’s long been involved in community work, and his commitment to showing up for others continues to define his off-field legacy.
McCloud Teases New Music and Creative Collaborations
Known on stage as “Ray-Ray,” McCloud also performed at the event, giving fans a taste of what’s next in his music career.
“I got my artists going up with me as well,” McCloud said. “It’s just vibes, you know what I’m sayin’? Some of this music is not even out yet.”
His single “Stand On It” is set to release on August 14, following the success of his EP “Stars Amongst Stars.” With a distribution deal through Virgin Music and placements on BET soundtracks, McCloud’s music career is quickly gaining traction.
As CEO of Legend Tribe Entertainment, McCloud leads a roster of five emerging artists. Also, he recently landed a supporting role in a major studio film that is set to release in 2026, and his Paris-crafted eyewear line PRCPSHONis is set to launch later this year as well. And during Super Bowl LIX, he made waves at the GQ Bowl Fashion Show by wearing a custom Bode Rec design.
When asked how his legacy has evolved as he branches into music, film, and fashion, McCloud kept it raw and real.
“Life is about leaving a legacy. Do what you want,” McCloud said. “At the end of the day, we all gotta go, and we all gonna have our day, and so just put it all on the table.”
Whether catching passes, returning kicks, performing on stage, or turning heads with his fashion designs, McCloud is chasing greatness in every lane.
