TAMPA, Fla.– David Lewis, a key member of the 1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that reached the NFC title game, has passed away. He was 65.
Lewis died Tuesday in Tampa. The cause was not right away known, however he had actually had a hard time with health issues over the last few years, according to USC, where he played in college.
He was a second-round choice at outdoors linebacker by the Buccaneers in 1977 and played for them until 1981, including a look in the 1980 Pro Bowl.
Lewis was among the defensive stars on the 1979 group that reached the NFC title video game, topping the franchises “worst to very first” change. The Bucs won 10 video games that year after having won simply 7 in the franchises previous 3 seasons.
Lewis also played for the San Diego Chargers in 1982 and Los Angeles Rams in 1983.
After leaving the NFL, Lewis started a long prep training profession. He coached at Tampa Catholic High from 1986 to 1990, assembling a 33-19 record and winning a district title. He still served on the Crusaders staff at his death, working mainly from a golf cart recently.
At USC, Lewis lettered from 1974 to 1976, having actually previously played at San Diego City College. As a senior, he was an All-Pac-8 first-team selection. As a junior, he led USC in takes on (90 ). Lewis used USC groups that won the Rose Bowl in 1975 and 1977.
He made a game-changing play in USCs return win over Notre Dame in 1974, when the Trojans won the championship game. USC trailed 24-0 right before halftime and then scored 55 consecutive points for the win. Lewis hit on Irish kick returner Mark McLane at the 8-yard line on the second halfs opening kickoff helped turn the game around.
He is endured by his spouse and a daughter. He was predeceased by his son.
At USC, Lewis lettered from 1974 to 1976, having actually previously played at San Diego City College. Lewis played on USC groups that won the Rose Bowl in 1975 and 1977.
Lewis hit on Irish kick returner Mark McLane at the 8-yard line on the 2nd halfs opening kickoff helped turn the video game around.
