Marcedes Lewis

BIOGRAPHY

Marcedes Alexis Lewis was born on the 19th of May, 1984 in Los Alamitos, California. Raised with a passion for football, Marcedes went on to represent Long Beach Polytechnic High School on the football field as part of the Jackrabbits football team. His senior year performance earned him the accolade of Parade magazine’s high school All-American, and he became a highly sought-after prospect by all major recruiting services.

Lewis pursued his college education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) while continuing his focus on football as a Bruin. He showcased a potent combination of skills over the years, earning him a place among the school’s most decorated football players. His record consisted of 126 receptions, 1,571 yards receiving, and 21 touchdowns, which set a new UCLA record for tight ends. He was also honored with the John Mackey Award, which is annually given to the top tight-end in college football.

In addition to these numerous achievements, Marcedes enjoyed success as a two-time All-Pac-10 selection, as well as gaining the prestigious title of consensus All-American. His remarkable contributions to UCLA’s athletic supremacy landed him a place in the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class.

Upon his graduation in 2006, Marcedes declared his entry into the NFL Draft and was picked 28th overall in the first round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He teamed up with his UCLA teammate, Maurice Jones-Drew, who was also chosen by the Jaguars. Lewis quickly signed a five-year contract worth $7.5 million, a deal that included a $4.9 million guarantee, and made his debut in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Marcedes remained a vital asset to the Jaguars for a sustained period, consistently delivering on the field. His career highlights include setting the Jaguars’ single-season touchdown receptions record with a total of 10 in the 2010 season, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite challenging circumstances due to the 2011 NFL lockout, he managed to perform exceptionally well and secured a lucrative five-year contract worth around $35 million in August 2011.

However, the pinnacle of Marcedes’ time with the Jaguars came in Week 3 of the 2017 season, where he recorded four receptions for 62 yards and a career-best three touchdowns in a 44-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This landmark season saw him finish with 24 receptions for 318 yards and five touchdowns. Despite the team falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, Marcedes secured his first postseason touchdown.

After a remarkable run of 12 seasons with the Jaguars, Mercedes parted ways with the team and moved to the Green Bay Packers, signing a series of one-year contracts. His notable successes in Green Bay included starting in 15 games and making a career-best of three touchdowns in the 2020 season. His efforts helped the Packers clinch the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC.

On August 4, 2023, Marcedes signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. His expertise was key in the Bears securing a victory over the Cardinals via a one-yard touchdown catch. After exploring free agency, he ended up re-signing with the Bears, further cementing his place in NFL records by surpassing Jason Witten’s record for the most career games played by a tight end.

Marcedes Lewis remains a dominant presence on the football field while maintaining close ties to his hometown of Long Beach, California. He is currently assisting young athletes and scholars by conducting sports development and academic camps. As of the 2024 NFL season, Marcedes continues to hold his mark as the only remaining active player from his draft class, a testament to his enduring skills, resilience, and commitment to the sport.