Lewis joined the Browns after graduating from college and spent his entire professional career with the team, playing primarily as a defensive back.

[2] Lewis later transferred to Staunton Military Academy in Virginia, and in 1942 set a school scoring record in football with 14 touchdowns and 282 total points.

[2] After graduating, Lewis attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and played as a back on the school's Blue Devils football team.

[3] Lewis was Duke's second-string tailback as a sophomore in 1944, but he took over starting duties after the original first-stringer, Allen Elger, suffered a knee injury.

[8] Lewis entered the United States Navy in 1945 and was a triple threat player and alternate quarterback for the Fleet City Bluejackets, a military team.

[16] The following year, Lewis returned a Bob Waterfield interception for 12 yards to the Cleveland 32-yard line during the Browns' 24–17 loss to the Rams in the NFL title game at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

[18] In 1961–62, Lewis worked as a color commentator on Browns television broadcasts, and became vice president of insurance administration for the New York Yankees following the team's purchase by George Steinbrenner in 1973.