Remembering Mike Lewis: A Tribute to a Falcons Legend
Join us in honoring the legacy of Mike Lewis, a standout player for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1970s. Lewis, a key member of the historic 1977 “Grits Blitz” defense, passed away this month at the age of 75. His impact on and off the field will never be forgotten.
A funeral service for Lewis will be held this Thursday, September 19, at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta. The service will begin at 11 a.m. as we gather to celebrate his life and contributions to the Falcons and the community.
Michael Henry Lewis Sr., born on July 14, 1949, was more than just a football player. He was a beacon of strength and joy to all who knew him, leaving a lasting impression wherever he went.
Joining the Falcons as an undrafted player in 1971, Lewis quickly established himself as a starter and played a crucial role on the team for nearly a decade. He played a total of 120 games for the Falcons, recording 25 sacks, and even had a brief stint with the Green Bay Packers.
His standout season came in 1977 when he was a vital part of the legendary “Grits Blitz” defense. Lewis recorded two sacks that season and played a key role in the team’s historical achievement of allowing the fewest points in a season.
Despite the team’s struggles on offense that year, Lewis’s contributions did not go unnoticed. In a ranking of the Falcons’ 50 greatest players, he was honored at No. 21, solidifying his place in team history.
Mike Lewis may no longer be with us, but his spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of Falcons fans everywhere. Join us as we pay tribute to a true Atlanta legend and celebrate the life of a man who gave his all to the game he loved.