Mo Lewis

Morris Clyde Lewis III (born October 21, 1969) is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League for 13 seasons with the New York Jets. After playing college football at the University of Georgia, Lewis was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He was named to three Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro during his career, in addition to being a member of the Jets All-Time Four Decade Team. He is also known for jump starting Tom Brady's prolific career.

Mo Lewis
No. 57
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1969-10-21) October 21, 1969
Atlanta, Georgia
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:258 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:Atlanta (GA) Murphy
College:Georgia
NFL Draft:1991 / Round: 3 / Pick: 63
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:1,231
Sacks:52.5
Interceptions:14
Player stats at NFL.com

Career

Lewis was a star at the University of Georgia, wearing the number 57 as he would in his pro career. Lewis played 200 games as a Jet, the third-longest tenure in franchise history, and was one of the most loved team players and captains of his time. He was a three-time Pro Bowler (1998, 1999, 2000),[1] was the Jets' defensive captain from 1997 to 2003 and was named to the NFL All-Pro team after the 1998 season. Lewis retired after the 2003 season with 1,231 tackles (883 solo), 52.5 sacks, 14 interceptions for 241 yards, 79 pass deflections, 29 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries for 74 yards and five defensive touchdowns in 200 career games.

While Lewis would have a productive career, his accomplishments would be overshadowed during a 2001 game against the New England Patriots when he injured the Patriots' starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe's injury resulted in Tom Brady becoming New England's quarterback, beginning the Brady–Belichick era for the Patriots that saw them enjoy nearly two decades of dominance and win six Super Bowl titles. As a result, Lewis' hit on Bledsoe is often noted for its impact on NFL history.[2][3] The hit appeared on the NFL's list of 100 greatest game changers, ranking at 82.[4]

Personal life

Lewis and his wife Christalyn live in Atlanta, Georgia and have two sons. Both of his sons play basketball; Mo IV plays at the United States Naval Academy and the younger, Chris, is committed to play for Harvard. Lewis has thought about coaching but instead decided to work out young athletes near Atlanta.[5]

References
  1. "Honoring Mo Lewis: New York Jets' Former Linebacker Was One for the Ages". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  2. Rivera, Joe (March 17, 2020). "The hit that started Tom Brady era with Patriots: What if Mo Lewis never injured Drew Bledsoe?". Sporting News. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  3. Moriello, John (May 11, 2020). "One Hit by Mo Lewis Led to Tom Brady's Big Break and Changed NFL History". Sportscasting. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  4. "'NFL 100 Greatest' Game Changers: Mo Lewis". NFL.com. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  5. Casey, Tim. "With Eye on Harvard, Basketball Player Has 2 Careers on His Mind Chris Lewis Heeds Parents’ Advice in College Decision." The New York Times January 30, 2015: n. pag. Web. April 19, 2015. <https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/31/sports/ncaabasketball/chris-lewis-heeds-parents-advice-in-college-decision.html>.
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