Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis made the team’s final 53-man roster as he begins his 19th season.
The 40-year-old re-signed with the Bears in June and according to Kyle Brandt of “Good Morning Football,” has the longest career in NFL history for a tight end. During Thursday’s episode, Brandt also noted that Lewis is second only to 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the title of oldest player in the league ( Rodgers is five months older than Lewis).
Brandt then pointed out perhaps the most stunning note of all, which was re-shared on X by longtime NFL sportscaster Andrew Siciliano.
As Brandt noted, the list of players who were drafted, played their entire careers, retired and were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame also includes former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.
While Lewis has never put up gaudy offensive numbers (recording over 50 catches just twice), Brandt pointed out that what the UCLA product “brings to the locker room and to the huddle” and his being a “great blocker” proves his real value. Lewis made his lone Pro Bowl during his fifth season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010 when he posted career highs in targets (89), receptions (58), receiving yards (700) and touchdowns (10).
After being selected with the 28th overall pick in 2006, he spent the first 12 years of his career with the Jaguars and then five with the Green Bay Packers before suiting up for the Bears in 2023. Lewis played in all 17 games (four starts) last season but had his lowest mark in receiving yards (29) while registering only four receptions (one touchdown) on five targets.
He’s first among active players in games played (268) and tied with Miami Dolphins defensive end Calais Campbell for the most games started (225).
Johnson, Thomas, Willis and Revis were all first-round picks in the 2007 draft at second, third, 11th and 14th overall, respectively.
Willis’ and Johnson’s careers lasted just eight and nine seasons apiece, but with 13 Pro Bowl honors and eight first team All-Pro nods between them, they easily made it into Canton. Revis and Thomas each played 11 years in the NFL and with 17 Pro Bowls and 10 first team All-Pro recognitions, the duo were both inducted in 2023.
Lewis isn’t likely to join the aforementioned quartet in football immortality, but has had a remarkable career, nonetheless.
