He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies where he earned his undergraduate degree.
[1][2] After leaving the National Football League, Mr. Lewis returned to his high school alma mater, George Washington High School, to coach track and football and teach physical education.
He attended a conference led by Dr. Donald Hunter of the Louisiana State Department of Education who is also an ordained Baptist minister.
Mr. Lewis learned about how Dr. Hunter had implemented a community-based tutorial program in Louisiana and wanted to do the same for Danville, Va. Lewis received help from Danville Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Andy Overstreet, and Mayor Rubie Archie.
Lewis, the youngest of five children, lost his mother at the age of 1 1/2 and his father when he was 17 years old.