The New Orleans Saints 50 for 50 series continues: No.48, 'Beer Man' delivers

4 of 6

UNITED STATES – OCTOBER 13: Football: New Orleans Saints Michael Lewis (84) in action vs Washington Redskins, Landover, MD 10/13/2002 (Photo by Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X67006 TK2 R6 F15) /

Lewis finally got his chance to make the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although he was cut right before the season started, the journey was not complete just yet. In the year 2000, Lewis landed a spot on the New Orleans Saints practice squad. For most people that went through all the challenges, that would have been the culmination of achievement. This was not enough for Michael Lewis though. In 2001, Lewis, at 30 years old, would finally get a chance to play. Lewis stated what kept him going here:

"“You know what? I’m a longshot but I feel like I’m supposed to be here. I’m not a fly by night story. I don’t want to be in the league a few years and then just fade away. I wanted to leave my mark. That’s why I worked so hard to put in the extra hours of work because I wanted to leave a mark behind me when I got there.” Next: Saints Hall of Fame"