Lewis attended Michigan State University as an undergrad and later received his graduate degree in education administration.

He was named to the College Football All-America Team and finished third behind winner Roger Staubach and runner-up Billy Lothridge for the Heisman Trophy in 1963.

His professional playing career included parts of the 1964 and 1965 seasons with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

He went on to become the running backs coach for Bill Walsh, under whom the San Francisco 49ers won three Super Bowls.

In October 2009, Lewis was hired by the Washington Redskins to serve as an offensive consultant for the team under head coach Jim Zorn.