Darren Lewis, a celebrated former running back for Texas A&M, passed away on Friday at the age of 55 after a battle with cancer, as announced by the school. Lewis, who was a star for the Aggies in the late 1980s and early ’90s, earned first-team All-American honors in 1988 and 1990, cementing his legacy in college football history.
Early Life and College Career
Nicknamed “Tank,” Lewis showcased his remarkable talent during his sophomore campaign in 1988, rushing for at least 100 yards in 10 games and amassing 1,692 yards and seven touchdowns over 12 contests. This impressive performance made him the second-leading rusher in the country that season, just behind Barry Sanders. Two years later, he nearly matched his yardage total with 1,691 yards but significantly increased his scoring with 19 touchdowns, 18 of which were rushing scores. His outstanding performance earned him a place tied for eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1990 and broke the Southwest Conference career rushing record previously held by SMU’s Eric Dickerson.
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By the end of his college career, Lewis had accumulated 5,012 rushing yards, which at the time was the fifth-most in NCAA history. Although he now ranks 22nd, his record of 27 100-yard games remains unbeaten at Texas A&M. Lewis’s contributions to the Aggies were monumental, setting the standard for future running backs at the school.
Despite his on-field success, Lewis’s life took a difficult turn post-college. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, but his stock had fallen due to a positive cocaine test at the NFL combine. In the NFL, Lewis played 33 games, 31 of which were in his first two years.
Struggles After Football
Off the field, Lewis struggled with personal issues, including cocaine addiction, which affected his professional career and personal life. Despite not testing positive for drugs while in the NFL, his addiction persisted, leading to significant challenges. After a brief career in professional football, he faced further hardships, including losing his house following a divorce.
In 2014, Lewis’s life took another dramatic turn when he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his involvement in armed robberies in the Dallas area. His battle with cancer was diagnosed while he was serving his sentence. Due to the severity of his illness, he was allowed to leave prison to receive treatment and had recently entered hospice care.
Legacy and Impact
Lewis’s death marks the end of a life filled with extraordinary highs and devastating lows. His legacy at Texas A&M, however, remains intact. He will be remembered as one of the greatest running backs in Aggie history, with his records and accomplishments standing as a testament to his talent and hard work. His story is a poignant reminder of the challenges that athletes can face after their playing days are over and the importance of support and intervention for those dealing with addiction and personal struggles.
As the Texas A&M community and football fans mourn the loss of Darren Lewis, his contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy as a remarkable athlete will not be forgotten. His journey, though marred by personal battles, highlights the complex and often difficult lives led by professional athletes both during and after their careers.