Michael Lewis isn’t one to let others define him. In fact, one of the most important pieces of advice he gives to younger athletes is, “don’t let others get to your head and let them affect how you play.” That level of focus and mental toughness has been a hallmark of his football career at Okmulgee High School, where he’s become a key player and leader for his team.
Lewis first stepped onto the football field in the third grade, though he admitted, “I didn’t like it at first until I got the hang of it in my eighth-grade year.” His cousin introduced him to the game in second grade, but it took a few years before Lewis really found his passion. Now, football has become a defining part of his life.
Influential figures and icons have shaped Lewis’ approach to football:
“I’d say I look up to my father and my grandfather because they find a way to feed me and care for me every day. On the field, I definitely model my game after Nick Chubb or Derrick Henry.”
Lewis’ role on the team goes beyond just playing his position. “I think my role on the team is to play as a leader,” he said. “How ever I start the momentum of the game, that’s how the game will go.” He knows that when he sets the pace, it can determine how the rest of the game unfolds for his teammates.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came earlier this season when he scored his first touchdown. “It’s just a different type of feeling,” he reflected. That sense of accomplishment has fueled his goals for the 2024 season, where he aims to “receive my first offer, no matter which level — D1, D2, D3 or junior college.”
His off-season is just as intense as the regular season. “It’s a nonstop grind every single day,” Lewis said, determined to improve and elevate his game.
Looking ahead, Lewis has aspirations to continue his football career in college while earning a degree.
