Lewis attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where he was a two-time team MVP as a running back,[citation needed] while also as a sprinter on the track team, setting a national high school record in the 200 meters in 1992.
[3] As a rookie, he established himself as the team's kick and punt returner, as well as their slot receiver.
In the 2002 expansion draft, Lewis was selected sixth by the Houston Texans, carrying a salary cap figure of US$4.29 million.
Overall, he recorded 10,170 total all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns (17 receiving, six punt returns).
With the Ravens, he gained 8,001 all-purpose yards, which stood as a franchise record until surpassed by Jamal Lewis in 2006.