Leo Lewis

Bio

The first time Lincoln head coach Dwight Reed came to call, a young Leo Lewis turned down his scholarship offer. Luckily for the Blue Tigers, Lewis reconsidered and went on to have spectacular collegiate and professional careers. The "Minnesota Express” put up some big numbers in his four years at Lincoln University in Missouri, leading his school to an impressive 27-5-3 record during that time. At 5-foot-10, 185-pounds, the two-time first-team All-America selection broke the existing school records for touchdowns in a season (22), touchdowns in a career (64), rushing yards in a season (1,239) and career rushing yards (4,561) on his way to becoming a three-time Black College All-America selection. In 1954, Lewis was drafted by the Baltimore Colts, but is better known for his outstanding career in the Canadian Football League. In his 11 seasons with Winnipeg, he earned All-Pro honors six times eventually securing a place in the CFL Hall of Fame. After football Lewis became an active member of his community, participating in organizations such as the National Youth Sports Program and the Mason, Kiwanis, and Imperial Clubs.

Career Highlights

• 1954 All-Conference
• 1954 Conference MVP
• 1954 First Team All-America (College Div., HBCU)
• 1953 All-Conference
• 1953 First Team All-America (College Div, HBCU)
• 1952 All-Conference
• 1952 First Team All-America (HBCU)
• 1951 All-Conference