Jet of the Day: LB Mo Lewis

In this series, we’ll be highlighting a different player from the New York Jets’ storied past. Today, we take a look at linebacker Mo Lewis.

A third-round pick in the 1991 NFL draft out of Georgia, Lewis starred for the Bulldogs before taking his playmaking ways to the pros.

One of the most versatile defenders in Jets history, Lewis was a cornerstone of the Gang Green defense for more than a decade. Over 13 seasons spent with the Jets, Lewis appeared in 200 games, trailing only kicker Pat Leahy, offensive lineman Randy Rasmussen and linebacker Kyle Clifton on the team’s all-time list.

While many linebackers tend to be one-trick ponies, Lewis was a complete player who could frustrate opposing offenses in every conceivable way. His run-stuffing ways helped him rack up over 1,000 career tackles, putting him behind only Clifton on the Jets’ career tackle list, while his pass-rushing prowess led to 52.5 career sacks, good for fourth-most in team history (behind Mark Gastineau, Shaun Ellis and John Abraham).

Lewis didn’t just know how to get to opposing ball-carriers and quarterbacks with regularity; he knew how to create turnovers once he got there. His impressive combination of intelligence, instincts and ball skills helped him tally 26 career forced fumbles (by far the most in franchise history) and 14 interceptions.

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, Lewis has fond memories of his long tenure with the Jets, and credits former coach Bill Parcells for helping him reach such a high level of success:

I really appreciate Coach Parcells. Because of him knowing who I was as a player, he really helped me in my career. I’d like to say thank you and he did a great job.

Lewis was a Jet for his entire 13-year NFL career, and is a member of the team’s All-Time Four Decade Team.

What’s your favorite Mo Lewis memory? Share your story in the comment section!