Jermaine Lewis played WR at Maryland from 1992-’95.
Over his college time with the Terrapins, he amassed 193 receptions for 2932 yards and 21 TDs.
Saw a little bit of time in college as a return man with 22 kr for 529 yards, and 24 pr for 288 yards and 2 TDs.
Drafted in the 5th round of the 1996 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
Clocking in at 5’7″, 183 Lewis became well known as an electrifying punt return man.
In 1997, he had 28 punt returns for 437 yards and 2 TDs.
His 15.6 yards per return led the NFL.
He also had a total of 2025 All-Purpose Yards.
In 1998 he had 32 returns for 405 yards and 2 TDs.
He led the NFL in returns in ’99, posting 57 for 452.
During 2000 he had 36 returns for 578 yards and 2 TDs.
His 16.1 yards per punt return led the NFL.
Then he clocked a league leading 42 returns for a league leading 519 yards, and a total of 1,623 All-Purpose Yards in 2001.
Left exposed in the 2002 Houston Texans Expansion Draft he was selected with their 6th pick.
The Texans also used him primarily as a return man.
After a season in H-Town, Jermaine finished his career spending his final two seasons in Jacksonville.
He finished his career with 10,170 All-Purpose Yards and 6 punt return TDs.
ACCOLADES:
All-Pro 1998
Pro Bowl 1998, ’01
NOTES:
I was excited when the Texans selected Jermaine Lewis. The team and myself thought he could be an early electric and dynamic playmaker that Houston could use, but it didn’t work out that way.
I knew it. That promoter from 2021 was flat out lying to me.
All I had to do was wait around for an additional year and wow, there’s Jermaine Lewis doing another signing for the same price. Sent the card in. No questions asked. And boom- done.
Again if he’s still around: Don’t do business with IPO Sports Marketing.
Didn’t have much in the tank left for Jimmy, except really for this one set need out of Gameday 1992. Outside of that Spoodog- who you may recall from my in person adventures from a few years prior, was downsizing his collection, or just got so bored of the hobby he was not really into it anymore. Anyway, he gave me a bunch of unsigned cards and this Jags card of Jimmy was among them, so, inspired, I thought if I ever got another shot I’d send this one out too.
I got really lucky getting Jimmy on these cards. During the pandemic he popped up on Twitter and offered to sign for fans. This lasted all for… 3 months before he quit again.
Played college ball at Illinois State University from 2003-06.
Set school single season records as a Junior catching 86 passes for 1465 yards and 12 TDs.
At the time of his departure from the school in 07, owned multiple career receiving records (192 catches, 3007 yards, and 29 receiving TDs).
Selected in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons
As a rookie caught 37 passes for 437 yards and a TD.
After a disappointing season in 2008, the Falcons traded Laurent to the St. Louis Rams for a 5th and 6th round pick.
In 2010 had 34 receptions for 344 yards and 2 TDs.
Signed with the Chargers for the 2011 season but was cut in camp.
Immediately picked up by the Cowboys and went on to notch career highs with 54 receptions for 858 receiving yards and 11 TDs.
Signed with the Jaguars in 2012 for a big payday, but injuries- primarily concussions ended his career.
NOTES:
Some great looking cards here of Laurent. I mean I guess he’s best remembered for his brief time in Dallas. One wonders how it would’ve turned out if he stayed put with the Cowboys.
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
167
2110
12.6
15
74
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