Ryan Lewis Sr., the defensive coordinator for Alabama State University football, is entering the 2024 season with a renewed sense of gratitude as it marks his first season being cancer-free. Lewis was diagnosed with jaw cancer prior to the 2023 football season, a revelation that initially left him in disbelief.
“I thought it was a joke,” Lewis recalled, reflecting on the diagnosis he struggled to accept. Despite concerns that he would miss the opening game against Southern University due to his condition, he persisted in coaching the Hornets’ defense by leaning on his faith.
“I used my skills that I learned in football, which is sudden change,” Lewis said. “You can’t allow things that happen bad to affect the next day.” Through determination and support from family, friends, and the university, he made a successful return to coaching before the season started.
Lewis describes overcoming cancer as receiving a “second life,” and he actively shares his experience to motivate his players to remain resilient. “Life is so precious. When you get to a point where you’re dealing with life and death, man, football is just the icing on the cake,” he emphasized.
Following his battle with cancer, Lewis underwent reconstructive surgery on his jaw.