Legendary Sherman Lewis Passes: Ex-Michigan State icon dies [titlebase] after Trailblazing NFL Career

West Wood blvd – 17 May 2026 | In a somber moment for the football world, Sherman Lewis, the Ex-Michigan State icon dies [titlebase] after a life defined by groundbreaking achievements on and off the gridiron. The former All‑American running back and pioneering NFL coach passed away at an assisted‑living facility, leaving a legacy that stretches from the Spartan stadium to three Super Bowl victories with the San Francisco 49ers.

Born on June 29, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Lewis arrived at Michigan State University to play for legendary coach Duffy Daugherty. He quickly became a dual‑sport captain, excelling in football and track. In 1962 he earned honorable‑mention All‑American honors and second‑team All‑Big Ten, and the following year he was a first‑team All‑American, Football News Player of the Year, and rushed for 577 yards on 90 carries while adding 303 receiving yards. Over his collegiate career he amassed 1,566 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a Big Ten championship in the long jump and 300‑yard dash, later earning a place in the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.

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After brief professional stints with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (1964‑65) and the New York Jets of the AFL (1966), Lewis returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach from 1969‑82. Working under Daugherty, Denny Stolz, Darryl Rogers and Frank “Muddy” Waters, he helped shape the next generation of Spartans, even though he was passed over twice for the head‑coaching job.

Lewis’ NFL résumé is equally impressive. He spent nine seasons (1983‑91) with the San Francisco 49ers, contributing to three Super Bowl titles while mentoring running back Roger Craig and later guiding wide‑receiver legends Jerry Rice and John Taylor. In 1992 he became the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, a post he held for eight years. During that tenure he helped Brett Favre, former Spartan Andre Rison, and the Packers capture the 1996 Super Bowl, becoming the first Black offensive coordinator to win a Lombardi Trophy.

Following his Green Bay success, Lewis served as offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings (2000‑01) and the Detroit Lions (2002‑04), ending a 22‑year NFL coaching career with a cumulative 219‑131‑1 record. Former teammates and colleagues, including College Football Hall of Famer Clinton Jones and former MSU star Jimmy Raye, hailed him as a true Spartan legend and a mentor whose influence extended far beyond the playbook.

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While the nation mourned the loss of this football pioneer, other stories captured headlines across Michigan and the United States. In Davison Township, a police officer nearly shot a teenager during a “water wars” game after mistaking a squirt gun for a weapon, prompting officials to issue safety warnings. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, the public was invited to honor WWII veteran John Bernard Arnold III, who died without known family, underscoring the community’s role in remembering its heroes. Farther south, tourists flocked to the Gatlinburg SkyPark’s record‑setting SkyBridge, a 680‑foot suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, while Western Michigan’s Tanner Mally earned a spot as a Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist, highlighting the ongoing vibrancy of collegiate athletics.

These concurrent narratives illustrate the diverse tapestry of American life, yet the passing of Sherman Lewis remains a focal point for sports enthusiasts. His journey from a segregated South to the pinnacle of professional football broke barriers and set new standards for future generations. As former Spartans reflected, “Sherman Lewis was a Giant in his death as he was a Giant his life,” a sentiment that captures the magnitude of his contributions.

The Ex-Michigan State icon dies [titlebase] not only as a celebrated athlete but also as a cultural trailblazer who paved the way for greater representation in coaching ranks. His story is a reminder that excellence on the field can translate into lasting societal impact.

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