Lewis keeps his eyes on the football and his heart with Jesus

By Courtney Warren 

Faith, family, and football are the focuses in the life of National Football League (NFL) athlete Damien Lewis. Guard for the Seattle Seahawks, Lewis began his football career as a young child in Canton with Folks Gotta Eat (FGE), a flag football organization that volunteered in the Canton community and served meals to those in need. 

“We went around and passed plates and clothes out to homeless people and elderly people. Ever since then, I felt the love of the game of football,” he said. 

Growing up as the oldest of four, Lewis wanted to ensure he inspired his own little brothers and those behind him. 

Without hesitation, Lewis said his relationship with God kept him focused, and it began with a special lady in his life. 

“My mom played a big role in my success. She was my hero when I was young and taught me how to be a man. She taught me right from wrong. When I surrounded myself with Christian people and learned how God wants us to live, from there, life isn’t complicated. You just have to make a decision,” he said. 

That decision came easily for Lewis. 

“I knew to make the decision to better myself for me and my family. I knew I had to go to school and put my best forward for everything. Don’t look back, and keep Jesus first. When God is first and center in your life, you can’t be stopped,” he said. 

Lewis stayed in church and kept the Lord at the center of his life. It was at In His Steps Ministries where Lewis met Rev. Jasper Bacon and his wife, Ms. Carolyn Bacon. Their influence on his life made a lasting impression, as well. 

“Jesus carried the cross. There is nothing we can’t carry, because He carried the cross,” Lewis said. 

Lewis’ football career didn’t begin as the typical “dream” of recruitment to a D1 school straight out of high school. 

After an injury his sophomore year of high school, Lewis didn’t think he’d play college football, much less be a member of the NFL. 

“I could easily have gone down the wrong path, been a gang member or something, but I chose a different path. We only get one opportunity.”
That opportunity came in the form of junior college. 

“No one was coming to watch us. I had gotten hurt, and I felt pretty down, and no one was coming to watch us play at Canton High. My coach, Jim Jones, came down from Northwest Community College to watch us. God was truly involved in that. This successful juco came down and watched me play.” 

“God always has the plan. Northwest was like the number one school at that time. I ended up taking an offer. I liked the school. They had a good education, and I focused on that and graduated early. I was an academic All-American. From there, I went to LSU.”

With one blessing after another, it was upon his graduation from NWCC that Lewis met the great Coach Ed Orgeron, or Coach “O.” 

“Coach O came to my house. He loved my family and the atmosphere. I can say that Coach O changed my life and without him I wouldn’t be playing for Seattle today. I got an offer to my dream school. I went there, kept my head down, handled my business, and played ball. I’m excited for myself because of where I come from.” 

Lewis said this was not a dream he ever imagined for himself. 

“I was born and raised in Sawmill Quarter…I’m so grateful for everything - for God’s plan and for Coach O to come grab me,” he said. 

Lewis continues that love for all that God has blessed him with and said he’s excited to get to be home in Canton, even for a short while. 

While he doesn’t know what the future holds, Lewis does know that he is excited to see where God will lead him. 

Meeting at In His Steps Ministries for the interview, Lewis says he wants to continue to bring the community focus back to God. 

“I’ve been roaming around now that I’m back; it’s crazy to see how different everything is. I want to make sure I let kids know I did it, and they can, too. Rev. Bacon has a great ministry here for the kids. They’ve got sports and help them learn about the Bible. People’s voices need to be heard, and we need to start when they’re young, he said. 

It was at a young age that Lewis met Rev. Bacon himself. 

“He helped us keep going and get us out of the streets. It turned me into who I am today. He stayed in my ear. I see him as a father figure. Him and Ms. Carolyn take care of people,” he said. 

Lewis said he’d love to eventually begin an organization for the community and give back to where he grew up. 

“I’m not the same guy. It’s all about helping now and keeping Jesus at the center of it all. I want to do something to help the kids in the community. I’ve been in their shoes, and I know the other side of the table,” he said. 

While no plans have been made, Lewis knows God will give him direction, and he will do all he can to help others and glorify God through it all.