Former Chicago Bears star Darren Lewis has passed away at the age of 55, as confirmed by Texas A&M, where he was a two-time All-American running back. The university reported that the cause of death was cancer. Lewis, who had been imprisoned for armed robbery, was released after being diagnosed with Stage 4A metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, according to USA Today.
Texas A&M Football remembered Lewis as their all-time leading rusher and All-American in a statement on X on June 21. Sports Illustrated described him as one of the greatest players in the university’s history.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Lewis played three seasons with the team following a stellar college career.
Born on November 7, 1968, in Dallas, Lewis attended Carter High School in Dallas, Texas, where he was regarded as one of the top prep running backs in the country. He was nicknamed “Tank” and inducted into Texas A&M’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Lewis was known for breaking Eric Dickerson’s Southwest Conference rushing record, but his career and life were marred by struggles with drug addiction, which began with a positive cocaine test at the NFL scouting combine. His addiction led to multiple arrests and imprisonment for robbery charges, with his release coming after a cancer diagnosis.
An obituary from the Golden Gate Funeral Home described Lewis as an exceptional athlete, beloved jokester, and devout family man. He is survived by his wife and children, and his legacy of love, generosity, and laughter will be cherished by those who knew him.
