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Michael Lewis Scores At Lockport Lower Elementary
NewOrleansSaints.com

Casually dressed in his pressed blue jeans and polo shirt, Saints kick returner Michael Lewis talked to young students of Lockport Lower Elementary School about playing professional football and building character. The theme intentionally tied in with school counselor Debbie Pitre's program.

"Our focus this school year is on developing character with a different character trait being discussed each month," Pitre said Monday. "Knowing the Saints youth programs focus on character, we believe a visit and talk about character would positively impact our students."

"By a show of hands, how many of you play video games a lot?" Lewis asked. Nearly the entire cafeteria packed with pre-kindergarten through second graders raised their hands. "I want you to play less video games and do more outdoor activities."

This was Lewis' approach to addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity.

"It's true. Our kids don't exercise enough and they don't always eat the right foods," Lewis said. "I want us, as a society, to do better and that takes discipline and discipline builds character."

"Michael has been great with the kids," Pitre said. "I think they're more likely to take advice about obesity since he's a professional athlete."

For Lewis, no school visit would be complete without talking about the importance of education. Lewis spoke candidly about the amount of classroom time required to play professional football.

"You've got to get your lessons. Learn those alphabets, do the math and listen to your teachers."

Lewis, affectionately known to Saints fans as the beer man from pre-Saints days as a beer delivery truck driver, took time to answer the students many questions, sign autographs and take pictures. Pitre, who initiated the invite, said this was the first time a Saints player visited her school and that the organization couldn't have sent a better representative.

"Mike is just so friendly and comfortable to talk too. I didn't think he'd be so friendly."


"Lewis joined the Saints in 2000 as a member of the club's practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster for eight games in 2001, and in 2002 played in all 16 games for the first time in his career. Lewis ends his career in New Orleans having appeared in 63 contests, with three starts. He departs as the club's all-time leader in kickoff returns (243 for 5,903 yards) and punt returns (142 for 1,482 yards). In 2002, he set team single-season records for kickoff return yardage (1,807) and punt return yards (625), was voted to the Pro Bowl and selected to the Associated Press All-Pro team. His 2,432 combined return yards that season set an NFL record. Lewis had four touchdown returns with New Orleans, three on kickoffs and one on a punt return."

"I think if you can find a spot on the staff for Freddie Mac, if Mike doesn't hook up with another team there should be a spot on the staff(ST Coaching or FO) for Michael "BEERMAN" Lewis. Not just what he meant to the team, but what he meant to the community, I think a move like that would be great for the Saints, the City of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana."

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