[4][5] In 1951, he was named to the all-conference and all-district teams and was selected by The Boston Globe as one of the city's two outstanding linemen.

He won the school's Edward J. O'Melia Trophy in 1955 as the outstanding player in the annual Boston College–Holy Cross football rivalry game.

[10] In January 1956, Lucas was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 10th round (117th overall pick) of the 1956 NFL draft.

[11] However, his professional football career was delayed by two years' service in the United States Marine Corps.

[14] Lucas appeared in four games for the 1958 Steelers,[2] but a knee injury and surgery sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

[15][16] Lucas attempted a comeback with the Steelers in 1959, but he was cut in late September as the team reduced to the league's 35-player limit.

[3][20] The 1960 Eagles compiled a 10–2 record and defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Championship Game.

[26] After Lucas retired from football, he lived with his family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.