Start with preparation and throw in some hard work. That's a recipe for success on the gridiron, according to Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Lewis.
Lewis, who signed a three-year contract with the Lions prior to last season, built his foundation as a high school athlete in Delran, N.J. At Delran High School, Lewis was a two-time all-conference pick in football.
He was a team captain in both football and track. He was also a track standout, winning the state Group II title in the discus. In addition, he won a district wrestling title.
"A key value I learned in high school was to have confidence in myself," he said. "I had to be willing to prepare myself."
Playing in the NFL was always on Lewis' mind when he played football in his youth.
"I've been thinking about that dream since middle school. It didn't come into reality until I was at Wisconsin," Lewis said. "But I had to work for everything."
Lewis was drafted by the Lions in the fifth-round of the 2004 draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie both on special teams and at linebacker.
At Wisconsin, he was an all-Big Ten Conference first-team pick by the league's coaches as a senior. He earned All-American accolades in track in the discus, shot put and javelin as a sophomore.
An active member of the Lions' community, Lewis has made several visits to the Lions Academy, an alternative middle school in Detroit. There, he talks to students about the importance of doing well in school. He has also visited Children's Hospital of Michigan on behalf of the Lions.
Lewis said he idolized Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and Ricky Watters as he was growing up because of their work ethic. Lewis realizes many youngsters in the high school football ranks hope to achieve the heights he has enjoyed.
"First of all, work hard at anything you do," he said. "You may not be the most talented guy out there, but just give it all you've got.
"I learned a long time ago that you have to have faith. My faith is in Jesus Christ. Staying positive is important."
Lewis enjoys going back to his hometown and visiting his former high school.
"I talk to a couple of our coaches. I love to encourage the athletes (at Delran)," he said.
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.