Probably one of the most celebrated signings of the off-season, at least from inside the Chicago Bears locker room, was bringing back tight end Marcedes Lewis. The ageless veteran was popular with both his teammates and coaches thanks to his leadership, humility, and professionalism. “Big Dog” did everything asked of his last season, becoming one of the Bears’ most reliable offensive blockers. He even caught a touchdown against Arizona. For somebody to still be doing this after 18 years is impossible for fans to truly grasp.
Football is a vicious sport. It takes a toll on the body. That is especially true for tight ends, who have the dual responsibility of blocking edge rushers and also going out to catch passes. Lewis was drafted in 2006. Since then, he has logged 268 career games played. It turns out this is only four away from topping the current NFL record of 271 held by Jason Witten. Simply appearing in games is one thing, but playing at a high level is another. Lewis expressed his gratitude on The Jim Rome Show for his opportunity to get this far.
“The record will represent consistency, gratitude, durability and mindset. Obviously, you know what type of game we play. The injury rate is 100 percent. … When I really sit down and realize what I’m doing, I’m just grateful. I don’t know, man, I’m just grateful.
I’m sure when it’s all said and done and my career is done, I’ll be able to really enjoy the fruits that I’ve been able to bear, but the job’s not done yet. I’m looking forward to this season and having a healthy season, a dominant season from the tight end position, and then hopefully getting one more year and retiring after 20. That’s my dream now to just get to 20.”
That is the hardest part of sustaining a long career. So many times, players lose their drive. They’re tired of the constant grind, having to work their bodies and minds to such a sharp edge. It isn’t easy. Most guys either made the money or had enough success to justify walking away. Lewis has his money. He’s about to have played more games than any tight end in history. It seems his goal is to become only the 21st player in NFL history to log 20 seasons in a career. That would be a hell of an accomplishment.
It would be fitting if he somehow managed to secure his first Super Bowl ring in that time. That might be asking a bit much from a young Bears team, but that is one of the reasons he came back. Marcedes Lewis still thinks he can have a positive influence on these guys. He is justified in thinking that way. You will never find a former teammate with a bad thing to say about him. His impact on a locker room can never be overstated. The only question is whether he accomplishes this feat in Chicago.
