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Blog & Tackle: Lewis a difference-maker off the field, too
NewOrleansSaints.com
May 20, 2005 – 2:00 pm

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Nothing about Saints return man Michael Lewis is ordinary. His route to the NFL -- from beer truck drive to Pro Bowler -- is almost too far fetched to be true. His blistering speed and propensity for finding holes in coverage units sets him apart from other return men. His diminutive stature certainly is not the norm in a league filled with behemoths. His tireless work ethic enables him to look and perform like a 23-year old, instead of the 33-year old that he is.

In almost all instances, Michael Lewis is an exception to the rule. But nothing is as exceptional as his personality and compassion for others.

Michael Lewis and his new friend, Catherine
Michael Lewis and his new friend, Catherine
Paul Corliss/NOS.com
I thought about this yesterday as we filmed a public service announcement with Michael for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Joining him on set for the shoot was a young cancer patient named Catherine. The interaction between the two was priceless: Michael botching a line and Catherine razzing him, Catherine messing one up and Michael returning the favor with some light-hearted teasing. This went on for the entire shoot.

"He's really an amazing guy, isn't he?" Catherine's mother asked me quietly while watching Michael engage her daughter in playful conversation and laughter.

"Yes he is," I answered earnestly.

This is a man who arrived at the Saints facility the morning of the shoot at around 7 a.m. to lift weights. Then he had a full Coaching Session practice that went until 1 p.m. And finally, from about 1:30 to 3 p.m. he filmed the spot for St. Jude's -- free of charge. In fact, the PSA actually cost Michael $100, as he purchased a ticket for St. Jude's "Dream Home" fundraiser.

Behavior like this is the exception for most pro athletes -- sure most guys give back, but usually on their own timetable. For Michael Lewis, making time for others -- at the expense of his own leisure -- is the norm. And that's what makes him such a special guy.

I can't tell you how often I meet someone that tells me Michael Lewis spoke at their kid's school or that Michael Lewis stopped by their baby cousin's birthday party or that Michael Lewis visited their brother in the hospital. Half the time I don't hear about a community appearance Michael is making until after the fact.

In a time when feelings about the Saints are running both hot and cold in the community, I count my blessings to have Michael on my side as an ambassador for our club to the outside world. Making it even more special, of course, is the fact that Lewis is a local product. Walk into a room of Saints fans with him and the place comes alive with calls of "Where Y'at Beer Man!" Lewis just smiles his now famous grin, shakes every hand and signs every autograph. In interacting with his supporters, Lewis is always on his game.

Ask him about it and Lewis' reply -- in typical fashion -- is simple, but effective.

"I'm just blessed."

And so are we to have him on our team.

WhoDat

Now there's a nice article. Good to hear.

Does this pass Oscar the Grr... er... Danno's standard for posting on BnG? LOL

Danno

Well I haven't heard anyone crap all over it yet. But I'm sure its only a matter of time.
Remember the B&G motto: "We crap on all things positive...unless its about another team"

saintswhodi

What an idiot. Doesn't he have anything better to do with his time? Stupid stupid stupid. And who wrote this carp? Isn't Lewis like 100 years old? He should be worrying about breaking kick returns instead of hanging out at hospitals. I hope he had some extra time on the JUGS machine too. Get your head out of the clouds hippie.

There, didn't want Danno to feel like he had to worry about his job as the guy who craps on the guys who crap on the team.

Nice job Mike. Very, very positive.