How Did Sherman Lewis Die? Ex-Jet Star and Four-Time Super Bowl Winner Dies Aged 83 as Tributes Pour In

Sherman Lewis, who played as a defensive back and return specialist for the New York Jets during the AFL era before spending several years as an NFL assistant coach, died on Friday at the age of 83. Michigan State University confirmed Lewis’ death. Lewis starred as an All-American running back for the school in 1963 before beginning his NFL career.

No cause of death of the star has been announced so far by his family, but tributes have started pouring in from all corners him, who was recently honored with an Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting impact on the game.

A Legend Is Gone

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sherman Lewis,” the university wrote in a statement. “Lewis, a first-team All-American in 1963, served as an assistant coach at MSU before a decorated NFL coaching career that included four Super Bowl titles. We send our deepest condolences to the Lewis family.”

Lewis was chosen in both the NFL and AFL drafts in 1964 and spent his entire playing career with the New York Jets, appearing for the franchise during the 1966 and 1967 seasons.

While his time as a player was short, Lewis found far greater success on the sidelines. He went on to build a respected coaching career in the NFL, winning four Super Bowl championships, including three titles with the San Francisco 49ers.

Lewis spent seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 1983 to 1990 as the team’s running backs coach under legendary coach Bill Walsh. During that successful stretch, the 49ers captured three Super Bowl titles in the 1985, 1988 and 1990 seasons.

After leaving San Francisco, Lewis joined the Green Bay Packers as offensive coordinator, working alongside head coach Mike Holmgren for eight years. His time in Green Bay added another championship to his résumé when the Packers defeated the New England Patriots in January 1997 to win the franchise’s third Super Bowl title and Lewis’ fourth overall as an assistant coach.

Star in His Own Right

Despite being widely respected around the league and contributing to multiple championship teams, Lewis never received the opportunity to become an NFL head coach — something he openly discussed in later interviews as one of the disappointments of his career.

Looking back on his journey in a 2015 interview, Lewis reflected proudly on his accomplishments, saying, “We won Super Bowls in San Francisco and one in Green Bay. And I got to work with some great coaches and players.”

“No question I wished I had the chance to be a head coach. But looking back, I did all I could. I was disappointed, but I’m not going to hang my hat on that. I had a great career and was fortunate to coach in the NFL.”

Lewis’ final NFL job came in 2009, when was an offensive consultant. He even stepped into play-calling duties after head coach Jim Zorn had those responsibilities taken away by the organization’s front office.

Following news of his death, fans and former players shared heartfelt tributes across X, remembering Lewis not only as a respected football mind but also as a kind and genuine person. One fan wrote, “What a great man and coach. I grew up down street from Lewis’. RIP Coach. Condolences Kip and family.”

Another added: “I didn’t know that he was a Heisman finalist, but I remember him as an assistant coach. Because he came up in the era before the Rooney Rule, he never got an opportunity to be a head coach.”