Sherman Lewis facts for kids

Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".

Sherman Paul Lewis (born June 29, 1942, died May 15, 2026) was a very talented American football player and a highly respected coach. He played professionally in both the American Football League (AFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). After his playing days, he dedicated 34 years to coaching, helping many teams achieve success. He first became known for his amazing skills playing college football for the Michigan State Spartans.

Discovering Sherman Lewis: Player and Coach

A College Football Star at Michigan State

Sherman Lewis started his football journey at Michigan State University. He played as a halfback, a position where players run with the ball. He was so good that in 1963, he was chosen as an All-American. This means he was considered one of the best college players in the entire country!

That same year, he also placed third for the Heisman Trophy, a very famous award for college football's most outstanding player. The Football News even named him their Player of the Year.

Playing Professional Football

After his amazing college career, Sherman Lewis played professional football. He spent parts of the 1964 and 1965 seasons with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. Later, he played for the New York Jets in the American Football League during the 1966 and 1967 seasons. He wore numbers 21, 17, and 7 during his playing days.

Starting a Long Coaching Career

After playing, Sherman Lewis began a new chapter as a coach. He returned to his old college, Michigan State, and worked as an assistant coach from 1969 to 1982. This was the start of a coaching career that lasted 34 years!

Winning Super Bowls as a Coach

Sherman Lewis became a very successful coach in the National Football League (NFL). He was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers under famous coach Bill Walsh. During this time, the 49ers won three Super Bowl championships! A Super Bowl is the biggest championship game in American football.

Later, in 1992, he became the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. An offensive coordinator is a coach who plans all the plays for the team's offense, deciding how they will score points. Under head coach Mike Holmgren, Lewis helped the Packers win another Super Bowl. He was part of four Super Bowl winning teams in total!

Even though he was very successful and helped teams win championships, Sherman Lewis never became a head coach. He once said that he wished he had the chance. However, he was proud of his career and felt lucky to have worked with so many great players and coaches in the NFL.

Later Coaching Roles and Special Recognition

In 2009, Sherman Lewis joined the Washington Redskins as an offensive consultant. He even took over calling the offensive plays for a while. After that season, he moved on from the team.

In 2023, Sherman Lewis received a special honor: the Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This award recognizes people who have made a huge impact on professional football.

Life Beyond the Football Field

Sherman Lewis was also dedicated to his education. He earned a master's degree in education administration from Michigan State University in 1974.

A Legacy Remembered

Sherman Lewis passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 83. He is remembered as a talented player and a brilliant coach who helped many teams achieve greatness in football.