Probably one of the most celebrated signings of the off-season, at least from inside the Chicago Bears locker room, was bringing back tight end Marcedes Lewis. The ageless veteran was popular with both his teammates and coaches thanks to his leadership, humility, and professionalism. “Big Dog” did everything asked of his last season, becoming one of the Bears’ most reliable offensive blockers. He even caught a touchdown against Arizona. For somebody to still be doing this after 18 years is impossible for fans to truly grasp.
Football is a vicious sport. It takes a toll on the body. That is especially true for tight ends, who have the dual responsibility of blocking edge rushers and also going out to catch passes. Lewis was drafted in 2006. Since then, he has logged 268 career games played. It turns out this is only four away from topping the current NFL record of 271 held by Jason Witten. Simply appearing in games is one thing, but playing at a high level is another. Lewis expressed his gratitude on The Jim Rome Show for his opportunity to get this far.
He even stated he has one major goal remaining.
“The record will represent consistency, gratitude, durability and mindset. Obviously, you know what type of game we play. The injury rate is 100 percent. … When I really sit down and realize what I’m doing, I’m just grateful. I don’t know, man, I’m just grateful.
I’m sure when it’s all said and done and my career is done, I’ll be able to really enjoy the fruits that I’ve been able to bear, but the job’s not done yet. I’m looking forward to this season and having a healthy season, a dominant season from the tight end position, and then hopefully getting one more year and retiring after 20. That’s my dream now to just get to 20.”
Marcedes Lewis continues to find motivation.
That is the hardest part of sustaining a long career. So many times, players lose their drive. They’re tired of the constant grind, having to work their bodies and minds to such a sharp edge. It isn’t easy. Most guys either made the money or had enough success to justify walking away. Lewis has his money. He’s about to have played more games than any tight end in history. It seems his goal is to become only the 21st player in NFL history to log 20 seasons in a career. That would be a hell of an accomplishment.
It would be fitting if he somehow managed to secure his first Super Bowl ring in that time. That might be asking a bit much from a young Bears team, but that is one of the reasons he came back. Marcedes Lewis still thinks he can have a positive influence on these guys. He is justified in thinking that way. You will never find a former teammate with a bad thing to say about him. His impact on a locker room can never be overstated. The only question is whether he accomplishes this feat in Chicago.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
At this point in his career, I don’t think any team would be asking him to have that much production. Sure a couple catches and a touchdown pass looks great, but I think they’re actually looking for him to block the majority of the time. Be knowledgeable enough and experienced enough to run a correct pattern consistently or pick up on a blocking scheme that somebody missed… And more, just provide mentoring and leadership for other players. Which if they ask, this is the perfect role for him. He has plenty to give. It’s just not on the stat sheet… Read more »
Yes Scooby, I remember when he came into the league he was kind of thin. Was more of a pass catching TE. Bulked up and became the best blocking TE. Perseverance and work ethic will put him in the HOF. Shows how important professionalism and attitude are when picking players for a team.
Lewis is a good example of a TE that was a little slow to develop when he first came into the league Personally, I think TE and Center are the 2 positions that can take some time just because they are asked to do so much and some need to gain that functional strength.