In his senior year, Lewis rushed for 577 yards on 90 carries, all while leading MSU in the air attack with 11 catches for 303 yards. Lewis ended his college career with 1,566 yards and 23 touchdowns, placing him fifth and third on the team’s all-time lists, respectively. 

Lewis was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 alongside Jud Heathcote and Steve Smith. Before his induction, Lewis said he was honored to be a part of MSU Athletics history.

"My experiences at Michigan State helped prepare me for a life in athletics," Lewis said in a press release at the time. "I learned how to adapt to a big campus and new environment and how to deal with different people from all races and cultures. I also learned how to take that competitive spirit in athletics and apply it to all facets of my life, which has helped me battle through all the ups and downs that I've had to face over the years."

Lewis was born on June 27, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky and came to MSU to play for Daugherty while running track and field. He was a captain for both teams, winning three Big Ten titles during his tenure for track and field.

Growing up in the South, Lewis had been surrounded by University of Kentucky football. There was just one problem: At the time, the SEC did not allow for Black players on its teams. 

"And Michigan State had a history. It had 'em and played 'em," Lewis said. "I remembered that from watching the Rose Bowl."

Following graduation, the MSU Hall of Famer played a year each in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and the American Football League for the New York Jets.

Soon after, Lewis was hired as an assistant coach for MSU under Daugherty. He remained with MSU until 1982 before leaving for the NFL as a four-time Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator and position coach. He coached the San Fransisco 49ers (1983-91), Green Bay Packers (1992-99), Minnesota Vikings (2000-01) and the Detroit Lions (2003-04). During his time with the Packers, Lewis coached fellow MSU football alum Andre Rison to clinch the 1996 Super Bowl title. 

Throughout his time as an MSU assistant coach and NFL coach, Lewis always dreamed of leading the Spartans, but was passed over twice for the head coaching job in 1980 and 1995. 

Lewis retired from coaching in 2004, later broadcasting MSU football games with George Blaha on the Spartan Media Network in 2005. 

In 2023, Lewis was recognized with the Award of Excellence by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.