A dominating running back, Lincoln’s Leo Lewis compiled huge rushing statistics in an era when big numbers by a rusher were uncommon. Leading the Blue Tigers to a 27-5-3 record in his collegiate career, he went on to become one of the greatest professional players in Canadian Football League history.
A two-time First Team All-America selection, Lewis rewrote the Lincoln record books. At 5-foot-10, 185-pounds, he smashed school all-time records for touchdowns in a season (22), touchdowns in a career (64), rushing yards in a season (1,239) and career rushing yards (4,457).
Following graduation in 1954, Lewis was drafted by the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League, but it was in the CFL that he made his greatest mark. In 11 seasons with Winnipeg, he earned All-Pro honors six times solidifying is position among the league’s all-time best and securing him a place in the CFL Hall of Fame.
A very active and devoted community member, Lewis participates in the National Youth Sports Program and is a member of the Mason, Kiwanis and Imperial Clubs. After his playing days ended, he enjoyed short stints as Lincoln’s head football and women’s basketball coach. In 2005, Lewis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
