Former football player and NFL coach Sherman Lewis
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 26: Offensive consultant Sherman Lewis of the Washington Redskins watches warm ups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field October 26, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Four-Time Super Bowl Champion Dead at 83

Former NFL coach and ex-New York Jets player Sherman Lewis has died at the age of 83 following a decorated football career.

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Former football player and longtime NFL coach Sherman Lewis has died at the age of 83.

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Lewis played for the New York Jets during their AFL years in 1966 and 1967.

He then went on to build a successful coaching career that included four Super Bowl victories.

Super Bowl Champion Dead After Decorated Football Career

Lewis' alma mater, Michigan State University, announced his passing on Friday.

He starred for the Spartans between 1960 and 1963, becoming a consensus All-American and finishing third in the 1963 Heisman Trophy voting behind Roger Staubach and Billy Lothridge.

Lewis also excelled in track and field at Michigan State, winning three Big Ten titles in the 300-yard dash and long jump while serving as a team captain.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sherman Lewis," a statement from the school read. "Lewis, a first-team All-American in 1963, served as an assistant coach at MSU before a decorated NFL coaching career that included four Super Bowl titles."

"We send our deepest condolences to the Lewis family."

Following his college playing career, Lewis was selected 67th overall in the 1964 AFL Draft and 250th overall in the NFL Draft that same year.

Lewis Won Four Super Bowls During NFL Coaching Career

Despite being drafted by both leagues, Lewis began his professional playing career in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts in 1964 before later joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

He eventually moved to the Jets in 1966 and spent two seasons in New York. He ended his playing career with the Waterbury Orbits, a Jets affiliate team.

Lewis later returned to Michigan State as an assistant coach between 1969 and 1982 before making the jump to the NFL.

He won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers as running backs coach between 1983 and 1990.

Lewis later added another championship with the Green Bay Packers during his coaching career.

He also had coaching spells with the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins.

After retiring from coaching in 2004, Lewis worked as a broadcaster covering Michigan State football games.

In 2023, the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized Lewis as part of its Awards of Excellence class.