Lewis played
college football at
Alabama,[1] where he was the first
African American quarterback to start for the Crimson Tide and legendary Hall of Fame coach
Bear Bryant. He was also the last quarterback to start for Bryant. He played in 44 games from 1980-1983, passing for 4,257 yards with 29 touchdowns. He was named first team quarterback on the
1983 All-SEC football team, and was also selected by Football News as a second-team
All-American.[2]
Playing for the Memphis Showboats of the
USFL, Lewis split time with
Mike Kelley both seasons.[4] In 1984, he completed 161 of 276 passes (58%) for 1,862 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, and also ran 60 times for 552 yards and 5 touchdowns.[5] In 1985, Lewis completed 97 of 184 (53%) for 1,593 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, and also rushed 65 times for 591 yards and 4 touchdowns.[6]