Lewis attended UCLA, and played for the UCLA Bruins football team from 2002 to 2005. In 49 games with the Bruins, he started 32 times. He ranks ninth on the school's overall career-record receiving list and first among tight ends with 126 receptions, holding the UCLA tight end all-time records with 1,571 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns. As a senior in 2005, Lewis was a first-team All-Pacific-10 selection, a consensus first-team All-American, and won the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football.
College statistics
Professional career
Jacksonville Jaguars
Lewis was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football with running back Maurice Jones-Drew at UCLA who was also selected on the first day by the Jaguars. In July 2006, Lewis signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract that included $4.9 million guaranteed. Lewis initially did not live up to expectations in terms of pass catching ability with 91 receptions through three seasons. However, he impressed coaches with his blocking ability. He was often used as a blocker during the 2008 NFL season due in part to an injured offensive line. In 2010, Lewis matched the Jaguars single-season touchdown receptions record with a total of 10 and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He had previously been named as an alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl. Due in part to the 2011 NFL lockout, the Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Lewis on February 24, 2011. On August 5, 2011 after a short training camp hold out, Lewis signed a five-year contract reportedly worth about $35 million. On March 9, 2016, Lewis re-signed a three-year, $12 million contract to remain with the Jaguars. He was placed on injured reserve on November 21, 2016 after suffering a calf injury in Week 11. On March 20, 2018, Lewis was released by the Jaguars after 12 seasons with the team.
On May 24, 2018, the Green Bay Packers signed Lewis to a one-year, $2.1 million contract that included a $500,000 signing bonus. Lewis caught his first pass as a Packer on November 4, 2018 during a Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots. He finished the 2018 season with 3 catches for 39 yards. On March 18, 2019, Lewis re-signed with the Packers on a one-year, $2.1 million dollar contract. Lewis caught his first touchdown as a Packer, a 1-yard reception from Aaron Rodgers, on December 1, 2019 during a Week 13 victory over the New York Giants. On March 24, 2020, Lewis re-signed with the Packers on a one-year contract.
Personal life
Lewis has been active in his hometown of Long Beach, California, holding football camps that combine sports development with academics. He has one daughter, Lexi Lewis, born January 7, 2011.
