Nik Lewis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Nik Lewis

Calgary Stampeders
Lewis with the Calgary Stampeders in 2024
Born:	(1982-06-03) June 3, 1982 (age 43) Mineral Wells, Texas, U.S.
Career information
CFL status	American
Position(s)	Receivers coach
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	240 lb (110 kg)
College	Southern Arkansas
Career history
As coach
2019	BC Lions (Running backs coach)
2023–present	Calgary Stampeders (Receivers coach)
As player
2004–2014	Calgary Stampeders
2015–2018	Montreal Alouettes
Career highlights and awards
2× Grey Cup champion (2008, 2014)
CFL All-Star	2010–2012
CFL East All-Star	2016
CFL West All-Star	2006, 2007, 2010–2012
Honors	CFL Rookie of the Year, 2004
Records	Most career pass receptions (1,051)
Career stats
Receptions	1,051
Receiving yards	13,778
Receiving touchdowns	71
Playing stats at CFL.ca
Canadian Football Hall of Fame, 2021

Nikolas Lewis (born June 3, 1982) is a well-known figure in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He is currently the receivers coach for the Calgary Stampeders. Before coaching, he played as a professional Canadian football slotback for 15 years.

Lewis won the prestigious Grey Cup championship twice. He achieved these wins in 2008 and 2014 with the Calgary Stampeders. In his very first season, he was named the CFL Rookie of the Year. He also earned five West Division All-Star awards and three CFL All-Star awards.

He holds impressive records with the Stampeders. He is second all-time in receptions (805), receiving yards (11,250), and touchdown catches (65). Only Allen Pitts has more in these categories for the team. Lewis also set a club record for catching a pass in 166 consecutive games. On August 24, 2017, he became the CFL's all-time leader in receptions with 1,030 catches. He finished his career with a total of 1,051 receptions.

Before his professional career, Lewis attended Southern Arkansas University. In 2003, he was named an NCAA Division II All-American. He went to high school in Jacksboro, Texas. There, he was active in track, specializing in the triple jump.

Nik Lewis's Football Journey

Playing for the Calgary Stampeders

Lewis with the Stampeders

Nik Lewis joined the Calgary Stampeders in 2004. In his first year, he led the team in several key areas. He had 72 receptions, 1,045 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. He also gained 385 yards from punt returns. For his outstanding performance, he was named the CFL Rookie of the Year.

In the 2005 CFL season, Lewis continued to shine. He had 1,379 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, and 80 receptions. This placed him second in the entire league. The 2006 CFL season was another strong year for Lewis. He recorded 77 receptions, 1,114 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He was also chosen for the 2006 CFL Western Division All-Star team.

The 2007 CFL season saw Lewis make 67 receptions for 1,101 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He also had his longest career reception, an 85-yard play. He was again named a CFL Western Division All-Star. In the 2008 CFL season, Lewis helped lead Calgary to the 96th Grey Cup championship. He had 87 receptions for 1,109 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season.

In 2009, Lewis achieved another 1,000-yard season. He reached this milestone in the final game of the regular season. He scored his only touchdown of the season in the 17th game. This was unusual for a receiver with over 1,000 yards. By the end of this season, Lewis had caught a pass in all 105 games he played.

In 2011, Nik Lewis teamed up with Joffrey Reynolds. They created www.calmb4storm.com. This organization offers fans special experiences they might not otherwise get.

In 2012, a poll of over 250 CFL players was conducted. Lewis was voted "Toughest to Bring Down" by 35% of the players. He also ranked third in "Toughest Player" and fourth in "Nastiest Player." He placed fifth in "Best Hands" and fourth in "Best Clutch Performer." Lewis was the only player to rank in the top five in more than three categories. Players from the Calgary Stampeders could not vote for him.

During the 2012 CFL Playoffs, Lewis faced a challenge. He made an inappropriate social media post that was quickly deleted. The CFL fined him for breaking its social media policy. Lewis apologized publicly for two days in a row. He also announced he would donate his next game's paycheque to a women's charity. Lewis finished the season with over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. This was his ninth straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards.

In Week 8 of the 2013 CFL season, Lewis suffered a fractured fibula. This happened when he was tackled by BC linebacker Solomon Elimimian. He was expected to miss about six weeks. However, he ended up missing the rest of the season. This also ended his streak of nine consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Lewis had a smaller role in 2014. His streak of consecutive games with a catch ended in Week 5. This was against the Edmonton Eskimos. He did not have a reception in a regular season game for the first time since June 20, 2004. His streak ended at 166 games. He recorded career-low totals in receiving yards. He also failed to score a touchdown all season, another career low.

Despite a challenging season, Lewis helped the Stampeders reach the 102nd Grey Cup. In that game, he set up Calgary's first touchdown. He made a 13-yard catch that brought the ball to the one-yard line. He won his second Grey Cup championship when the Stampeders beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20–16. After 11 seasons, Lewis was not re-signed by the Stampeders. He became a free agent on February 10, 2015.

Playing for the Montreal Alouettes

On February 25, 2015, Lewis signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes. After a moderate 2015 season, he re-signed with the Alouettes. He had a strong comeback year in 2016. He achieved his tenth 1,000-yard season, his first since 2012. Lewis led the team with 102 receptions and 1,136 receiving yards. At 34 years old, Lewis and the Alouettes agreed to a two-year contract extension. This kept him with the team through the 2018 season.

On August 24, 2017, Lewis made history. He passed Geroy Simon's career reception record. He became the CFL's all-time receptions leader with his 1,030th catch. On October 27, 2017, Lewis announced his retirement. This came after his Alouettes lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. On May 17, 2018, Lewis officially confirmed his retirement.

In 2021, Lewis was honored for his amazing career. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a player.

Career Statistics

Coaching Career

With the BC Lions

Lewis began his coaching career with the BC Lions. He served as the running backs coach during the 2019 season.

Returning to the Calgary Stampeders

On January 3, 2023, it was announced that Lewis would return to the Calgary Stampeders. He was hired as the receivers coach for the team.