EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Keith Lewis of New York Jets

By Paul Newbold | Jul 17, 2015

Most of my readers will know the name Keith Lewis from my many mentions of this young man in my articles concerning the defensive secondary of the New York Jets. For those that don’t know Lewis, I told his story here at The Jet Press during the off season several months ago. It’s an interesting story, and one I think most Jet fans can get behind.

For those of you that don’t know him, he was signed by the Jets to their practice squad last season. Keith is listed as a cornerback on the Jets’ roster as he measures out at 6’o” and weighs 191 pounds. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. He played for the Buccaneers through their training camp but didn’t make the final cut.

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I’m high on this young man as he has an interesting skill-set and possesses the size defensive coordinators love to have in a cornerback.

I followed this young man on Twitter last season and I asked the other day if he’d be willing to answer a few questions for The Jet Press. Much to my surprise, he consented to an online interview! I sent Lewis five questions on Twitter for his responses and he emailed me his answers promptly.

Here is my interview with him:

The Jet Press: You spent last season on the Jets’ practice squad. What is your goal for 2015 and how do you see yourself fitting into the Jets’ defensive secondary?

Keith Lewis: “My ultimate goal is for the team to have a winning season and earn a playoff spot. I hope to be able to contribute and earn a roster spot. I see myself fitting as a nickel or dime corner. Also on the outside, I feel I have the ability to play both inside and outside.”

The Jet Press: Todd Bowles is installing his new defense this year and you played under Rex Ryan last season. Are you excited about the new system and how do you think it lends itself to your skills?

Keith Lewis: “I’m really excited about our system as it gives myself and the other guys a chance to show what we can with our man-to-man skills. It also allows us to make plays on the ball working off our great front seven.”

The Jet Press: The Jets have a perceived lack of depth at free safety. Would you be open to sliding over and have you ever played any free safety?

Keith Lewis: “I’d have no problem playing free safety if it would benefit the team. I don’t have any real experience playing that position, but I believe in my talent and athleticism. I believe I can contribute there as well as corner.”

Aug 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Keith Lewis (41) intercepted the ball for Washington Redskins wide receiver Aldrick Robinson (15) in the end zone during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Jet Press: The Jets will be facing some pretty good QB’s this season. Who would your dream interception come off of?

Keith Lewis: “Without a doubt, it would be off of TOM BRADY!!!!!”

The Jet Press: You’ve overcome some big challenges to make it to the NFL. I really admire your work ethic. Was there ever a time you seriously considered walking away from the game?

Keith Lewis: “Thanks, yes my road to the NFL wasn’t an easy one. To be honest, thoughts of whether football was for me crossed my mind. Though I never seriously considered leaving the game. This what I love to do and have always loved. So, thoughts may have crossed my mind, but they didn’t last long.”

Once again, I’d like to thank Lewis for taking the time from his training regime and granting me this opportunity. It was this writer’s first ever interview and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about being granted permission by him to do it. I hope you enjoyed the read as much as I did writing it. Leave us a comment and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

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