Marcedes Lewis
refer to caption
Lewis with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014
No. 84 – Chicago Bears
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1984-05-19) May 19, 1984 (age 39)
Los Alamitos, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High school:Long Beach Polytechnic
(Long Beach, California)
College:UCLA (2002–2005)
NFL draft:2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 28
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Receptions:436
Receiving yards:5,113
Receiving touchdowns:40
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Marcedes Alexis Lewis (born May 19, 1984) is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at UCLA, earning consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and is the only remaining active player from the class as of the 2023 NFL season.[1]

Early years

Lewis was born in Los Alamitos, California. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California, where he played high school football for the Jackrabbits.[2] In 2001, he competed in a nationally televised game against De La Salle of Concord, California.[3] As a senior, Lewis was named as a Parade magazine high school All-American and was considered a top prospect by all major recruiting services.[4]

College career

Lewis attended University of California, Los Angeles, and played for the Bruins from 2002 to 2005.[5] In 49 games with the Bruins, he started 32 times. He ranks ninth on the school's overall career-record receiving list and first among tight ends with 126 receptions, holding the UCLA tight end all-time records with 1,571 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns. As a senior in 2005, Lewis was a first-team All-Pacific-10 selection, a consensus All-American,[6] and won the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football.[7][8]

Lewis was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the 2022 class.[9]

College statistics

UCLA Bruins
Season GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2002 12 6 51 8.5 16 1
2003 13 30 377 12.6 38 3
2004 12 32 402 12.6 29 7
2005 12 58 741 12.8 40 10
Total 49 126 1,571 12.5 40 21

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 6+3⁄8 in
(1.99 m) 		261 lb
(118 kg) 		34+3⁄8 in
(0.87 m) 		10 in
(0.25 m)		 4.85 s 1.67 s 2.82 s 4.82 s 7.24 s 37 in
(0.94 m)		 9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)		 23 reps
All values are from NFL Combine[10][11]

Jacksonville Jaguars

Lewis was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.[12] He played college football with running back Maurice Jones-Drew at UCLA who was also selected on the first day by the Jaguars.[13] In July 2006, Lewis signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract that included $4.9 million guaranteed.

Lewis made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2006 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 9–0 victory.[14] He scored his first professional touchdown on a one-yard reception from David Garrard in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills.[15] He finished his rookie season with three starts in 15 appearances. He totaled 13 receptions for 126 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[16] His role expanded in the 2007 season with 37 receptions for 391 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. He started all 16 games in his second year.[17] In 2008, Lewis started all 16 games once again and recorded 41 receptions for 489 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, which came in consecutive games in Week 5 and Week 6.[18] In the 2009 season, he started all 16 games and recorded 32 receptions for 518 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[19]

In the 2010 season, Lewis matched the Jaguars single-season touchdown receptions record with a total of 10 and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He had previously been named as an alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl.[20] He started all 16 games and had three games with multiple receiving touchdowns.[21]

Due in part to the 2011 NFL lockout, the Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Lewis on February 24, 2011.[22] On August 5, 2011, after a short training camp hold out, Lewis signed a five-year contract reportedly worth about $35 million ($17 million guaranteed).[23] In the 2011 season, he started in and appeared in 15 games and totaled 39 receptions for 460 receiving yards. For the first time in his professional career, he did not have a touchdown.[24] In the final game of the 2012 regular season against the Tennessee Titans, Lewis had seven receptions for 103 receiving yards for his first game going over the 100-yard mark.[25] He totaled 52 receptions for 540 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns on the season.[26] In the 2013 season, he totaled 25 receptions for 359 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 11 games. The four receiving touchdowns all came in four consecutive games from Week 13 to Week 16.[27] In the 2014 season, he totaled 18 receptions for 206 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[28] Lewis continued his constant production in the 2015 season with 16 receptions for 226 receiving yards in 16 games, all starts.[29]

On March 9, 2016, Lewis re-signed a three-year, $12 million contract to remain with the Jaguars.[30] He was placed on injured reserve on November 21, 2016, after suffering a calf injury in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.[31] He totaled 20 receptions for 169 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in ten starting appearances.[32] In Week 3 of the 2017 season, he recorded four receptions for 62 receiving yards and a career-high three receiving touchdowns in a 44–7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.[33] He finished with 24 receptions for 318 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns in 16 starts.[34] In the AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots, Lewis recorded his first postseason touchdown on a four-yard reception from Blake Bortles.[35]

On March 20, 2018, Lewis was released by the Jaguars after 12 seasons with the team.[36]

Green Bay Packers

Lewis playing for the Packers in 2021.

On May 24, 2018, the Green Bay Packers signed Lewis to a one-year, $2.1 million contract that included a $500,000 signing bonus.[37][38] Lewis caught his first pass as a Packer on November 4, 2018, during a Week 9 loss to the Patriots.[39] He finished the 2018 season with three catches for 39 yards.[40]

On March 18, 2019, Lewis re-signed with the Packers on a one-year, $2.1 million dollar contract.[41][42] Lewis caught his first touchdown as a Packer, a one-yard reception from Aaron Rodgers, on December 1, 2019, during a Week 13 victory over the New York Giants.[43] He finished the 2019 season with 15 receptions for 156 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[44] The Packers advanced to the playoffs as the NFC's 2 seed, losing in the NFC Championship to the San Francisco 49ers.[45][46]

On March 24, 2020, Lewis re-signed with the Packers on a one-year contract.[47] Lewis started 15 games, catching ten passes for 107 yards and three touchdowns.[48] The Packers advanced to the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC, but again lost in the NFC Championship to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[49][50]

On March 30, 2021, Packers re-signed Lewis to a two-year, $8 million contract.[51][52] In a Week 15, 31–30 victory against the Ravens, Lewis surpassed 5,000 career receiving yards. He started all 17 games in the 2021 season and finished with 23 receptions for 214 receiving yards.[53] The Packers again clinched home-field advantage as the NFC's top seed for the 2021 playoffs.[54] However, they lost to the 49ers in the Divisional Round 13–10.[55]

In the 2022 season, Lewis started all 17 games for the Packers. He had six receptions for 66 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[56]

Chicago Bears

On August 4, 2023, Lewis signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears.[57]

Personal life

Lewis in 2011

Lewis has been active in his hometown of Long Beach, California, holding football camps that combine sports development with academics.[58]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2006 JAX 15 3 13 126 9.7 31 1 0 0
2007 JAX 16 16 37 391 10.6 25 2 0 0
2008 JAX 16 16 41 489 11.9 30 2 0 0
2009 JAX 15 15 32 518 16.2 47 2 1 0
2010 JAX 16 16 58 700 12.1 42 10 2 2
2011 JAX 15 15 39 460 11.8 62 0 0 0
2012 JAX 16 15 52 540 10.4 26 4 0 0
2013 JAX 11 11 25 359 14.4 41 4 1 1
2014 JAX 8 8 18 206 11.4 63 2 0 0
2015 JAX 16 16 16 226 14.1 45 0 0 0
2016 JAX 10 10 20 169 8.4 37 1 0 0
2017 JAX 16 16 24 318 13.3 37 5 0 0
2018 GB 16 4 3 39 13.0 30 0 0 0
2019 GB 16 11 15 156 10.4 25 1 0 0
2020 GB 15 15 10 107 10.7 36 3 0 0
2021 GB 17 17 23 214 9.3 23 0 1 0
2022 GB 17 17 6 66 11.0 31 2 0 0
2023 CHI 17 4 4 29 7.3 16 1 0 0
Career 268 225 436 5,113 11.7 63 40 5 3

Postseason

Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2007 JAX 2 2 6 90 15.0 34 0 1 0
2017 JAX 3 3 4 21 5.3 16 1 0 0
2019 GB 2 2 2 14 7.0 11 0 0 0
2020 GB 2 2 3 28 9.3 14 0 0 0
2021 GB 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 1 1
Career 10 10 16 153 9.6 34 1 2 1

References

  1. ^ "2006 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  2. ^ "Marcedes Lewis discusses his Long Beach Poly memories for new series, "4th and Forever"". ESPN.com. September 7, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  3. ^ Sondheimer, Eric (December 16, 2008). "A Game Changer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  4. ^ "Marcedes Lewis Bio". UCLA Bruins Athletics. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2009.
  5. ^ "Marcedes Lewis College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  6. ^ "Official 2007 NCAA Division I Football Record Books" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. 2007. p. 224. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2007.
  7. ^ "Consensus All-America Teams (2000–2009)". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  8. ^ "John Mackey Award Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  9. ^ "Marcedes Lewis (2021) - Hall of Fame". UCLA Bruins Athletics. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  10. ^ "Marcedes Lewis Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". National Football League. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  11. ^ "Marcedes Lewis – UCLA, TE : 2006 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". DraftScout.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  12. ^ "Meet Marcedes Lewis". Orlando Sentinel. October 22, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  13. ^ "2006 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  14. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars – September 18th, 2006". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  15. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills – November 26th, 2006". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  16. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2006 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  17. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2007 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  18. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2008 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  19. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2009 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  20. ^ Ganguli, Tania (December 28, 2010). "Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew, Marcedes Lewis and Montell Owens selected to the Pro Bowl". Jacksonville.com. Retrieved February 24, 2011.
  21. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  22. ^ "Jags franchise tag Marcedes Lewis". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 24, 2011. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  23. ^ "Jaguars sign TE Lewis to 5-year, $35M contract". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 5, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  24. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  25. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans – December 30th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  26. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  27. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  28. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  29. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  30. ^ DiRocco, Michael (March 9, 2016). "Jaguars re-sign TE Marcedes Lewis to three-year deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  31. ^ Jackson, Zac (November 21, 2016). "Jaguars place Marcedes Lewis on IR". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  32. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  33. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars – September 24th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  34. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  35. ^ "AFC Championship – Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – January 21st, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  36. ^ Wesseling, Chris (March 20, 2018). "Marcedes Lewis to be released by Jacksonville Jaguars". NFL.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  37. ^ Wesseling, Chris (May 24, 2018). "Packers signing former Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis". NFL.com. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  38. ^ Demovsky, Rob (May 31, 2018). "Breaking down TE Marcedes Lewis' contract". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  39. ^ "Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots – November 4th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  40. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  41. ^ "Packers re-sign TE Marcedes Lewis". packers.com. March 18, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  42. ^ "Marcedes Lewis Contract Breakdown". Spotrac.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  43. ^ Carlin, Skyler (December 1, 2019). "Packers' Aaron Rodgers connects with Marcedes Lewis for fourth passing TD vs. Giants". clutchpoints.com. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  44. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  45. ^ "2019 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  46. ^ "NFC Championship – Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers – January 19th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  47. ^ "Packers re-sign TE Marcedes Lewis". Packers.com. March 24, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  48. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  49. ^ "2020 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  50. ^ "NFC Championship – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – January 24th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  51. ^ Kruse, Zach (March 24, 2021). "Packers re-sign TE Marcedes Lewis with 2-year deal". Packers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  52. ^ "Packers re-sign TE Marcedes Lewis, DL Tyler Lancaster". Packers.com. March 30, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  53. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  54. ^ "2021 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  55. ^ "Divisional Round - San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers - January 22nd, 2022". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  56. ^ "Marcedes Lewis 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  57. ^ Mayer, Larry (August 4, 2023). "Roster Move: Bears agree to terms with TE Marcedes Lewis". ChicagoBears.com. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  58. ^ Keisser, Bob (June 16, 2009). "Lewis reaches out to new generation". Press-Telegram. Archived from the original on June 20, 2009.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marcedes Lewis.
Chicago Bears roster
John Mackey Award winners
2005 College Football All-America Team consensus selections
2006 NFL Draft first-round selections
Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft picks
Jacksonville Jaguars 2006 NFL Draft selections
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