Sherman Lewis, a former All‑American halfback who later built a distinguished coaching career spanning decades, died on Tuesday at the age of 83.
A college standout
At Michigan State, Lewis burst onto the scene in 1961, showcasing his all‑purpose talent with 629 yards and later topping the team with 955 yards in 1962. In 1963 he earned consensus first‑team All‑America honors, finished third in Heisman Trophy voting — the highest finish ever by a Spartan — and helped the squad claim two of the longest pass plays in school history.
A coaching journey marked by championships
After graduating, Lewis returned to East Lansing in 1969 as an assistant under Duffy Daugherty, a role he held until 1982. He then joined the San Francisco 49ers, where he contributed to three Super Bowl victories. He later served as offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, helping the club secure a fourth ring, and also coordinated the Minnesota Vikings before moving into consulting and broadcasting roles.
Honors and lasting impact
Lewis was inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and received the Duffy Daugherty Award in 2002. The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized him in its 2023 Awards of Excellence class, while the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame honored him in 2014. Beyond the field, he remained connected to his alma mater, broadcasting MSU games in 2005 and serving as an offensive consultant for Washington in 2009, leaving a legacy intertwined with coaches such as Bill Walsh and Mike Holmgren.