New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - The Advocate Former O. Perry Walker star Lewis makes splash in first game with Saints

Keenan Lewis made it. So many others didn’t.

Call it one of life’s cruel quirks.

A high school football star in New Orleans leaves for Oregon State and years later returns to play for his hometown NFL franchise.

Meanwhile, one of his former prep teammates — just as talented in the secondary, if not more, fails to enjoy the same football journey of a lifetime.

While Lewis spent last Sunday afternoon running out of the tunnel at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as the Saints opened the 2013 season, Daryl Johnson was nowhere near the field.

“He definitely could be here,” Lewis said after the Saints beat Atlanta 23-17. “That’s one of those special athletes. I’m pretty sure if he had a second opportunity, he would here. He’d be a starter.”

The Saints (1-0) play at Tampa Bay (0-1) on Sunday.

Although the former teammates didn’t make it to the NFL together, they are here together, in a way. They still watch film together, Lewis said.

“He still helps me out,” Lewis said. “I appreciate his time in helping me out. Still watch film with him.”

Sunday’s game, Lewis’ first with the Saints, should be a moment of reflection this week. Lewis joined a small number of New Orleans natives to play for the Saints, most recently Michael Lewis.

“I think I got too hyped for this game beforehand,” Lewis said. “Next week, I’ve got to take it down a notch.”

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