Hall of Fame

Frank Lewis

  • Class
  • Induction
    2008
  • Sport(s)
    Football
  • Grambling State
Early Life & College
  • Frank Douglas Lewis was born on July 4, 1947, in Houma, Louisiana.
  • He attended Southdown High School in Houma.
  • He played college football at Grambling State from about 1967–1970 under legendary coach Eddie Robinson.
  • At Grambling:
    • He helped the Tigers win the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship in 1968.
    • In 1969, he led the team both in rushing and receiving yards.
    • He finished his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns.  
    • He was a three-time All-SWAC wide receiver.  
    • At least one source reports he rushed for 1,428 yards at an average of 10.8 yards per carry at Grambling.
NFL Career
  • Draft & Teams:
    • He was selected in the 1st round, 8th overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
    • He played with the Steelers from 1971 to 1977.  
    • Then with the Buffalo Bills from 1978 to 1983.
  • Achievements & Stats:
    • Career receptions: 397, receiving yards: 6,724, receiving touchdowns: 40.
    • Career average yards per catch: about 16.9.
    • He was part of two Super Bowl–winning teams with the Steelers (Super Bowl IX and X).
    • His best season came in 1981 with the Bills — 70 catches for 1,244 yards. He earned a Pro Bowl selection that year.
    • Notably, he was reportedly the first player in NFL history to gain 100 receiving yards in postseason games for two different teams.
  • Retirement: He retired around 1984 after injuries and physical issues.