New York Jets: The Keith Lewis Story

Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets logo prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

After reading the headline, many of you might be scratching your heads asking yourself who is Keith Lewis, and why this writer would bore you with an article on such an obscure player.

I couldn’t blame you one bit if that was your reaction. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the young man myself. That is, until I started researching a piece on the Jets secondary. While researching Lewis, I stumbled across an interesting story. It’s the story of Keith Lewis, his journey through football, and his struggles to make his dream come true.

I think it’s an interesting story, one that I’ll attempt to tell. Lewis was signed by the Jets last year as a rookie and spent time on the practice squad. He has the chance of a lifetime this spring with the Jets, will make the most of it, and may become a contributor this season. Here’s his story, I hope you enjoy.

Next: Keith Lewis' Journey Through College

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (center) talks with his team following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Lewis was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 28th, 1989. Lewis comes from a poor section of Chicago and was raised by his mother along with his three sisters. He played high school football at a prep school in Chicago. When Lewis was a senior at Marie Sklodowska Curie Metro High School, he was a highly sought after recruit by major colleges.

Lewis amassed over 30 football scholarships, but unfortunately for Lewis his ACT scores were too low for him to catch on at the college level. Lewis instead enrolled at small junior college; College of Dupage. He went on to become an All-American at the junior college level.

After completing junior college, grades again became an issue when it came time to transfer to a major college program. Lewis was forced to hang up the cleats, which for most kids, would have been the end of the story. With Lewis, you quickly realize, he’s not your average kid!

Lewis applied to, and was accepted to Harold Washington College to further his education. Harold College does not run a football program however. Lewis got a job at a local Walmart, working full-time, and often extra shifts to help his family at home.

Lewis never gave up on his dream of playing college football again however. While at Harold, he spent his time working hard on his grades. He also spent time emailing football programs, expressing his desire to play and often sending copies of his highlight tape along. The time spent at Harold, combined with Lewis’ loss of his grandmother, allowed Lewis to mature. He worked even harder and promoted himself even harder.