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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
D.D. Lewis Obituary
Born October 16, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lewis was the youngest of 14 children and a Fulton High School All-State linebacker. He was named for World War II generals Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur.
At Mississippi State University, he started from 1965–67, earned first-team All-America honors in 1967, and was that season's SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He captained the Bulldogs as a senior and later entered the school's Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
Dallas chose Lewis in the sixth round of the 1968 NFL Draft. After military service in 1969, he became a fixture at outside linebacker, starting from 1973 through 1981. He played 13 seasons for the Cowboys, appearing in 186 regular-season games, five Super Bowls, and 27 playoff games. Dallas won Super Bowls VI and XII during his tenure.
Lewis delivered two interceptions in the 1975 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, a performance that sent Dallas to Super Bowl X. He was later named to the Cowboys' Silver Anniversary Team.
Durable and unassuming, he became one of the franchise's most respected leaders and served as a defensive co-captain in the late 1970s. He was widely credited with the quip about Texas Stadium: "a hole in the roof so God can watch His favorite team play."
In addition to the national College Football Hall of Fame, Lewis is enshrined in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. He remained connected to his roots in Knoxville and to Mississippi State, where his honors reflect a collegiate career that helped define Bulldogs football.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: AP Photo)
20 Entries
Teona McCormick
September 26, 2025
I knew D.D.'s sister, Sally Thomas, what a jewel she was, actually her whole family was very dear to my heart. May God comfort D.D.'s entire family through this loss.
Cathy Neil
September 26, 2025
He was a dear, sweet friend and will be missed.
Bob Haller
September 23, 2025
DD was my team mate and a friend at MSU. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lewis family.
Tonya olencki
September 22, 2025
More of D.D.'s FAMILY. We will never forget you. Prayers for Diane and Victoria. And Melna.
How you can show support
Barbara Griffin Diego
September 22, 2025
I remember when I first met you at Aunt Sally's house,you said I looked just like Sandra when she was young. I wished I would of known you more through out the years. Go be with the rest of the family in heaven. Love your niece Barbara
Sheila McMeeken
September 22, 2025
Uncle DD was more than just a football player to our family. He was an inspiration to us all and loved us and never forgot his roots. He always had a smile and my mom Patsy Ruth his Sister when she got cancer he came to Maryland to visit and sit with her. I´ll never forget the last words he told me hold on to your children and love them! May you Rest joyfully with the Lord. We will see you again when our time is done. Your niece Sheila McMeeken
Angela Davis
September 22, 2025
He was my uncle. He was the youngest of 15 children...he adored his mother Grandma Bessie Lewis. She was ALWAYS proud of him. He was a great example to everyone in our family he will truly be missed.
Roger E Rush
September 22, 2025
RIP DD. You were my best friend for years. You lead me to CHRIST and to church in Plano tx pastor Gene Getz then Jeff Jones. We were both 79. I love you. Bless your family in times of sorrow. Roger Rush
Chris
September 22, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of D.D. Lewis. May the God who gives comfort be with your family during this difficult time.
Douglas Lewis
September 22, 2025
My condolence to your family. Losing a loved one can bring pain and sorrow. Our Heavenly Father is there to bring you peace and comfort to endure your precious loss.
Russell H Marino
September 22, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Greg Wolfenbarger
September 21, 2025
D. D. Lewis was my cousin and my American Idol growing up. He loved God, family and country and was a silent leader. He would bring me in the lockerroom for the games I went to when I lived in Jersey. He had tickets waiting for me and my family and was always kind to tme and the fans. You will be missed. D. D. I will miss my idol and will see you on the other side...
RB
September 21, 2025
Such a determined and driven player who made notable contributions to the Cowboy´s franchise. Sincere condolences to the Lewis family, so very sorry for your loss. God be with you in your time of loss.
Wiley Brown
September 21, 2025
D.D. Love you man you well be missed .
Tonya/Robert/Jordan Garza
September 21, 2025
May the Lord continue to Bless u in heaven!!
Luv u. Uncle DD
Blessings Nephew, Tonya son
Jordan Ashton Garza
Tonya Olencki
September 20, 2025
To my wonderful loving Uncle D. D. YOU DID SO MUCH FOR MY MOM WHEN SHE WAS SICK. SANDRA LEWIS. YOUR SISTER. I WILL TRULY MISS TALKING TO YOU. GO BE WITH THE REST OF OUR FAMILY. THEY ARE WAITING ON YOU. IN CHRIST JESUS. YOUR NEICE TONYA OLENCKI. JORDAN LOVES YOU TOO.
Rich Mccarthy Bridgeport ct
September 20, 2025
Rip and God bless thank you for your service and 2 championships
Ermine (Lewis) Layton
September 20, 2025
RIP D D, condolences to family. D D was one of my favorite uncles. He was 2 years older than me, I didn´t get to see much of him after I moved from Knoxville to Chicago at the age of 14 but have great memories during the time I spent at Ma Lewis´s house and followed him during his football career. He visited me and my family when he was in the area after making appearances at local high schools and we kept in touch by phone. The last of my aunts and uncles. Live each day as if it is the last day on earth, show kindness to everyone, try and do a good deed daily. Remain close to family.
Martha Lightsey
September 20, 2025
Thanks for the memories, D D!
SYLVIA B. AGERS
September 19, 2025
Thank you for the Military Served, And God Blessing with you for the contribution to Dallas Cowboys. Rest in Peace. Well Done-God Bless.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
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