D.D. Lewis Mississippi State Legend

D.D. Lewis defined individual greatness on the gridiron, earning elite recognition as a legendary linebacker despite his college team’s struggles.

Football Bio

October 16, 1945 – Knoxville, Tennessee – D.D. Lewis came into this world. D.D.’s is not our typical Hall of Fame Story.

According to the National Football Foundation’s bio, his Mississippi State team won only 7 games in the three seasons Lewis played.

Fortunately, the Hall of Fame places more emphasis on the individual performance of a player than on the team.

This was the case for D.D. Lewis, who made the All-Southeastern Conference twice and the All-American team once, in 1967.

Opposing coaches such as Bear Bryant of ‘Bama and Vic Dooley of Georgia raved about the linebacker and said things to the effect that he was one of the very best backers in the country.

For his outstanding play, Linebacker D.D. Lewis entered the College Football Hall of Fame in the 2001 selection class. [National Football Foundation]

Lewis proved that true gridiron talent always shines through, securing his legacy as one of the most formidable defenders in college football history and launching a highly successful professional career.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame (1981).
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
• Named a First-Team All-American in 1967.
• Two-time All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.
• Drafted in the 6th round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
• Played 13 seasons in the NFL, entirely with the Dallas Cowboys (1968–1981).
• Two-time Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII).
• Holds the NFL record for 27 playoff appearances.
• Played in five Super Bowls as a member of the “Doomsday Defense.”

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