In 84 days, the New Orleans Saints open up the season with a home game against the Arizona Cardinals. We're less than three months away from the beginning of a new era under Kellen Moore. As we prepare for the future, let's wind the clock back to continue our countdown to kickoff
Our player of the day is Saints legend and local product, Michael Lewis. In the early-2000's, Lewis was a dynamic threat for New Orleans on special teams. While he occasionally dabbled in the offense, it was rare and paled in comparison to his success as a return specialist.
Michael Lewis is the top returner in Saints history and top-20 all time
In 2002, Lewis was selected to the first-team All-Pro in just his second year in the league. In that season, he led the league in kickoff return yards, kickoff return touchdowns and punt return yards. Lewis' second campaign was easily his standout season.
Lewis racked up 1807 yards on kick returns. That's the third most return yards in a single season in NFL history. At that time he was second, but Josh Cribbs edged him by two yards to take second place. Lewis also scored two of his career three kick return touchdowns and his only punt return touchdown in 2002.
Kick returns were Lewis' specialty. When he retired, Lewis ranked 11th all time with 5989 kick return yards in NFL history and still resides in the top-20. All but 86 of those kick return yards came in a Saints uniform.
Lewis was a 29-year old rookie
What makes Lewis' career so impressive is he didn't enter the league until he was 29 years old. He spent years playing semi-pro football and driving a Budweiser truck. The latter is how he earned the nickname "Beer Man."
Debuting at 29, Lewis' November birthday made him a 30 year old rookie. That late start shortened his possible window. Not only was his window of time shorter than most players, Lewis started playing professionally at the point where most players taper off.
Lewis was an All-Pro at 31 years old. He had 1807 kick return yards at 31 years old. No other returner has eclipsed 1500 yards after the age of 30. Lewis' age makes his all-time standing and single season accomplishments more impressive.
If he could have played just a couple of more years in his athletic prime, Lewis may have seen himself even higher on the lists. That wouldn't have made for as special of a story, however.