San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud III, isn’t just making waves on the football field—he’s also making moves in the world of entertainment. In an exclusive interview with Becca Brazil, founder of Only 1 Media PR, McCloud shared insights into his latest project, “Runt: The Underdog Story,” a docu-series that delves into the challenges faced by athletes and individuals striving to overcome obstacles.
Inspired by the common struggles he encountered among athletes, McCloud felt compelled to shed light on these experiences through his documentary series. “We’re all dealing with something that feels bigger than us at the time,” McCloud remarked, emphasizing the universal nature of the challenges portrayed in “Runt.”
McCloud, who wears multiple hats as both an NFL player and CEO of Legend Tribe Entertainment, seamlessly blends his passion for sports, music, and film. “My company Legend Tribe represents all of those things. Music, film, sports management. The only difference now is that I control the output; there’s no one telling me ‘no’,” McCloud explained.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from McCloud’s personal struggles, including sleep disorders and ADHD. However, McCloud sees these challenges as opportunities to showcase resilience. “Your issues don’t define you, it’s how you show up that counts,” he affirmed, offering advice to others facing similar hurdles.
“Runt” features a diverse cast, including NFL players and music industry figures, all of whom contribute to the narrative in significant ways. “Everyone you see in the series are people that I deal with in some way. As a music exec, I have access to people and these are the topics that would be in our regular conversations,” McCloud noted.
Balancing roles as an athlete and entertainment mogul comes with its own set of challenges, but McCloud credits his team for their understanding and support. “As CEO of the label, a lot of what I do relies on my team understanding the assignment,” he shared, highlighting the importance of trust and shared vision.
For McCloud, music plays a pivotal role in conveying the emotions of “Runt.” Drawing from his experience scoring movies for B.E.T, McCloud understands the power of music in shaping the viewer’s experience. “The music is an actor, it’s playing an important role in how you feel about what you’re watching,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, McCloud envisions a bright future for Legend Tribe Entertainment, with upcoming projects including a single and video featuring Tyla Yaweh, as well as a film score and soundtrack for an upcoming B.E.T production. “We’ll be really busy in 2024,” McCloud remarked, hinting at a flurry of activity from his burgeoning entertainment empire.
As McCloud continues to pursue his passions in fashion, music, and film, he hopes to inspire aspiring athletes and individuals facing challenges of their own. “I hope to be an example as CEO of Legend Tribe Entertainment to all athletes with interest beyond the field. We are not just one thing; we are a brand!” McCloud declared, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination showcased in “Runt: The Underdog Story.”
Published by: Martin De Juan