The Michigan State football program lost a legend over the weekend.
Sherman Lewis, a Spartan running back from one of the most successful eras of MSU football, passed away over the weekend at the age of 83. He will be remembered as one of the first-ever star running backs in East Lansing, really setting a precedent for future generations.
Lewis played for Michigan State from 1961-63 and then was drafted 250th overall in the 1964 NFL Draft and 67th overall in the AFL draft. He played a couple of years for the New York Jets, but spent his other three professional seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
The former Spartan All-American then got into coaching where he saw most of his success, winning several Super Bowls as a coordinator. He also spent 14 seasons back as a Michigan State assistant coach before coaching in the NFL. He’s being mourned by several fanbases (Michigan State, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings) as he saw success in several different locations.
The sad news stretched far and wide, including to former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio who called him one of the greatest Spartans of all time.
Sherm was our Honorary Captain for our 2008 Win in AA. “best bus ride you will ever have.” One of our greatest Spartans of All Time. RIP#20 https://t.co/yMnOiyaAnv
— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) May 17, 2026
Lewis will clearly be missed by many.
Sherman Lewis had quite the career
Lewis became a star under Duffy Daugherty where he played halfback for three years, totaling 1,566 rushing yards, 472 receiving yards, and 23 touchdowns. He was one of the most productive offensive weapons in college football and was named an All-American in 1963.
The Spartan legend was then drafted in the 18th round of the NFL draft and the ninth round of the AFL draft before spending some time in Canada and then back in the United States with the Jets.
Following a brief playing career, Lewis became an assistant coach under Duffy in 1969 and coached in East Lansing for 14 years, leaving when George Perles was hired. He then left for San Francisco as the running backs coach there where he won three Super Bowls. He then went to Green Bay where he won another Super Bowl as offensive coordinator.
Lewis then rounded out his coaching career with offensive coordinator stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Washington.
While he saw a ton of success as an assistant coach and coordinator, he was never given the opportunity to become a head coach which he admitted was “disappointing” but he will be remembered as a coaching legend in San Francisco and Green Bay and a running back legend in East Lansing.
What a career. Rest in peace, Sherman Lewis.
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