Agnew played college football as a defensive tackle for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected 10th overall by the New England Patriots in 1990 NFL draft.
Agnew was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he attended and played football for Carver High School.
Agnew then played college football and majored in history at North Carolina State University.
Ray Agnew III is a pro scout for the New York Jets and is a former fullback in the National Football League.
Agnew's son, Malcolm, is the current running backs coach at Sacramento State, and Keenan is a defensive tackle at Southern Illinois.