Ray Bentley was brought up in Hudsonville, Michigan. His father was Rahn Bentley who played football at Michigan State University, and later was a coach in local high schools finishing his career at Hudsonville High School.

Ray graduated from Central Michigan University and his 443 career tackles stood at a record at CMU until 2000. Then in the 1880’s went on to play in the USFL and NFL for ten years as an inside linebacker ending his football career in 1992. He appeared in two Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills and the USFL champion Michigan Panthers.

He served as television commentator with Fox Sports for five years, then became head coach and general manager in Arena Football’s – Buffalo Destroyers for two years and resigned that position in 2002. Ray has authored children’s books about Darby the Dinosaur. He is currently television announcer for the Central Michigan University football team.

Ray and his wife, Jodi, have five children. Three sons, Richard, T. J., and Jake, and two daughters, Alaina and Morgan. After living in Buffalo, NY for a number of years, they moved to Grandville, Michigan.

Still living.