By: Brian Howard
ATLANTA | Albert Lewis doesn't need to wait any longer as the former Grambling State University defensive back was one of eight who will be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023, which was announced on Thursday.
Joining Lewis as members of the 14th Black College Football Hall of Fame Class is Leslie Frazier (Alcorn State), Henry "Killer" Lawrence (Florida A&M), Jim Marsalis (Tennessee State), Tyron McGriff (Florida A&M, Elijah Pitts (Philander Smith), Johnnie Walton (Elizabeth City State) and legendary head coach Pete Richardson (Southern and Winston-Salem State).
Lewis, a defensive back, had a prolific college and professional career. The Mansfield, Louisiana native played for Eddie Robinson at Grambling State from 1979 to 1982 and recorded 11 interceptions in his final two seasons for the Tigers. After a stellar collegiate career, Lewis was picked in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft, with the 61st selection, by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lewis spent 16 season in there NFL, playing for the Chiefs and Las Angeles/Oakland Raiders, where he recorded 42 interceptions, 12.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. In addition, he blocked a stunning 11 kicks in 11 seasons in Kansas City. He also was selected to four Pro Bowls and was a two-time First-Team All-Pro.
A member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, Lewis was named the Chiefs MVP during the 1986 season after he recorded 69 tackles (61 solos), four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one sack and one blocked punt. During his time in Kansas City, Lewis made the playoffs five times, including an appearance in the 1993 AFC Championship game.
"This Class is another representation of the immense football talent that has played at historically black colleges and universities," said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. "Several of these players were college All-Americans, high NFL draft picks and Pro Bowlers."
Votes were tallied from the 11-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators, and historians, as well as former NFL General Managers and executives, and from members of the BCFHOF to determine the Inductees.
The Class of 2023 will be honored at the 14th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons on June 10, 2023. The Induction Ceremony takes place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
They will also be recognized at halftime of the Second Annual HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 25, 2023 at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA, which will be broadcast live on NFL Network (3:00pm CT).
For more information please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.
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