Eugene Brenton Lewis (born April 20, 1993) is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Known for his impressive athleticism and consistent performances on the field, Lewis has established himself as one of the top receivers in the CFL, earning accolades for his contributions to the sport. His journey from a standout high school athlete to a professional football player is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
Eugene Lewis was raised in the Wyoming Valley area, where he displayed exceptional talent as a multi-sport athlete. He played four years of football at Wyoming Valley West High School, becoming one of the most heavily recruited players from the Wyoming Valley Conference. His outstanding performances on the field placed him alongside notable names like Ron Powlus and Raghib Ismail.
Lewis’s athletic prowess attracted the attention of top college programs across the country. He was recruited to play at Penn State University by legendary coach Joe Paterno and also received offers from renowned programs such as Oregon and Virginia Tech.
Lewis began his college football journey at Penn State University, where he played from 2012 to 2015. After being redshirted in his freshman year, he became a key contributor to the Nittany Lions' offense, showcasing his ability to make critical plays in crucial moments. In search of new opportunities, Lewis transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his final collegiate season in 2016.
Throughout his college career, Lewis played in 51 games, starting in 19 of them. He recorded 122 receptions for 1,569 yards and 10 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable target for his quarterbacks.
Ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft, Lewis was rated the 71st best wide receiver prospect by NFLDraftScout.com. At Oklahoma’s Pro Day, he showcased his athletic abilities, recording a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, a 38.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-9 broad jump. Despite his impressive measurables, Lewis went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, he earned opportunities to attend rookie minicamps with the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks in May 2017.
Lewis began his CFL career by signing with the Montreal Alouettes on June 12, 2017. Although his rookie season saw limited action, he quickly developed into a key offensive weapon for the Alouettes. In the following two seasons, he solidified his role as a starting wide receiver, playing in all 36 regular season games and recording a combined 116 receptions for 1,960 yards and nine touchdowns. His standout performance in 2019 earned him CFL East All-Star honors.
After the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis re-signed with the Alouettes in December 2020. In 2021, he had a breakout season, catching 62 passes for 964 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him a CFL All-Star selection for the first time.
Lewis continued his success in the 2022 season, where he played in 17 regular season games and caught 91 passes for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns. His outstanding performance ranked him second in the league in receptions and third in both receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He was recognized as the East Division’s Most Outstanding Player, receiving the prestigious Terry Evanshen Trophy.
Following his successful tenure with the Montreal Alouettes, Lewis entered free agency and signed with the Edmonton Elks on February 14, 2023. In his debut season with the Elks, he made an immediate impact, catching 11 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown in his first three games.
Unfortunately, Lewis suffered a knee injury that placed him on the six-game injured list on June 29, 2023. Despite the setback, his resilience and determination continue to make him a key player to watch in the CFL.
Eugene Lewis’s journey from a high school standout to a professional football star in the CFL reflects his perseverance and dedication to his craft. His ability to adapt and excel in different environments highlights his versatility as an athlete. As he continues his career with the Edmonton Elks, Lewis remains a significant presence in the league, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
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