Lew Nichols III Bio
Arthur Lewis Nichols III, known professionally as Lew Nichols III, is an American professional football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas from 2019 to 2022. During the 2021 regular season, he led the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,710 rushing yards, establishing himself as one of the most productive rushers in the country. A Super Bowl champion with Philadelphia, Nichols now works to carve out a regular role with the Steelers after a circuitous start to his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Arthur Lewis Nichols III was born on August 16, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a city with a deep football tradition and a long history of producing high-level running backs. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and listed at around 220 pounds, Nichols developed the compact, sturdy frame that would later become central to his running style between the tackles.
Nichols attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, one of the most storied football programs in the state of Michigan. He played under longtime Cass Tech head coach Thomas Wilcher, a respected figure in Detroit high school football. As a senior in 2018, Nichols rushed for 1,078 yards and 23 touchdowns on only 84 carries, an explosive ratio that reflected his big-play ability. His senior performance earned him all-state honors from the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and the Associated Press.
Path to American Football
Nichols followed the classic development path for top Midwestern running backs, moving from a decorated high school career to a college program where he could carry a heavy workload. Cass Tech’s reputation and Wilcher’s tutelage prepared him for the next level, and his recruiting profile attracted interest from Mid-American Conference schools.
He committed to Central Michigan University, where he could compete for early playing time in a run-oriented offense. The decision to join the Chippewas gave Nichols a clear runway to develop his skills, earn conference recognition, and eventually put himself on the radar of NFL scouts. His progression from Detroit prep star to FBS rushing leader in just a few seasons reflected both his talent and the opportunity Central Michigan provided.
Lew Nichols III Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Nichols’ college career at Central Michigan began modestly during the 2019 season, when he appeared in four games and carried the ball 19 times for 89 yards. The limited role allowed him to learn the speed and complexity of the college game while adjusting to the rigors of an FBS schedule.
As a redshirt freshman during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Nichols broke through in memorable fashion. He rushed for 196 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 31-23 victory over rival Eastern Michigan, signaling his ability to take over a game. For the season, he totaled 508 rushing yards on 78 carries, an average of 6.5 yards per attempt, and earned Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors.
Central Michigan Breakthrough (2021)
Due to special eligibility rules enacted for the 2020 season, Nichols repeated as a redshirt freshman in 2021, and he delivered one of the most prolific rushing seasons in program history. He led all players in NCAA Division I FBS with 1,710 rushing yards during the 2021 regular season, while also pacing the nation with 311 carries. His 1,710 yards stood as the second-highest single-season total in Central Michigan history, trailing only Brian Pruitt’s 1,890 yards set in 1994.
Nichols produced nine 100-yard rushing games in 2021, including standout efforts of 219 yards against Ball State, 215 yards against Kent State, 194 yards against Eastern Michigan, 192 yards against Northern Illinois, and 186 yards against Ohio. After the season, he was named the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned First-team All-MAC recognition. Despite leading the nation in rushing, he was not selected as a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award.
Green Bay Packers Era (2023)
Nichols entered the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected 235th overall in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers. He signed his rookie contract on May 5, 2023, beginning his professional career with one of the league’s most historic franchises. His time in Green Bay was brief, as he was waived with an injury designation on August 29, 2023, placed on injured reserve, and released on September 7.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2023–2024)
On October 16, 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Nichols to their practice squad, giving him a chance to continue developing within a Super Bowl-caliber organization. He signed a reserve/future contract with Philadelphia on January 18, 2024, securing his place on the team’s offseason roster. The Eagles waived him on August 27, 2024, before re-signing him to the practice squad on December 26, 2024.
Nichols was released again on December 31, 2024, but re-signed to the practice squad on January 30, 2025. The Eagles waived him on July 22, 2025, ending his Philadelphia tenure. As a member of the Eagles organization, he is credited as a Super Bowl champion from the team’s run to victory in Super Bowl LIX.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025–Present)
On July 29, 2025, Nichols signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He was waived on August 25, 2025, and quickly re-signed to the practice squad. The move gave Nichols an opportunity to compete for a depth role in the Steelers’ backfield while continuing to develop his all-around game.
Nichols made his NFL regular-season debut on November 2, 2025, against the Indianapolis Colts, contributing on special teams and combining for one tackle. On January 14, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract, securing his place on Pittsburgh’s offseason roster as he continues to push for a more substantial role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Nichols’ signature college moment came during the 2021 season, when his nine 100-yard rushing games and FBS-leading 1,710 yards cemented his place in Central Michigan history. His professional milestone arrived with his NFL debut against the Colts in November 2025, and his Super Bowl LIX championship ring with Philadelphia represents the first major team achievement of his career.
Lew Nichols III Career Wins
As a running back, Lew Nichols III’s career achievements are measured in yardage, awards, and championship recognition rather than traditional win totals. His college résumé is anchored by the 2021 MAC Offensive Player of the Year award, First-team All-MAC honors, and the 2020 MAC Offensive Freshman of the Year award. At the professional level, he has earned a Super Bowl LIX championship as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
Lew Nichols III Family
Personal Life
Lew Nichols III was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where his football journey began at Cass Technical High School. Public details about his immediate family and personal relationships are limited, and he is primarily known through his on-field accomplishments and his connection to the Detroit football community.
2025 Season Performance
Nichols’ 2025 season was defined by movement between rosters as he worked to establish himself in the NFL. After being waived by the Philadelphia Eagles in July, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and remained with the organization through training camp. He began the regular season on the Steelers’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster.
His most significant on-field moment came on November 2, 2025, when he made his NFL debut against the Indianapolis Colts, playing on special teams and recording one combined tackle. The appearance marked his first regular-season game action at the professional level and validated the persistence that carried him through multiple practice-squad stints. He finished the season with one game played and one tackle.
On January 14, 2026, Nichols signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers, ensuring he would enter the 2026 offseason program with the organization. His 2025 campaign laid a foundation of durability and special teams value, and his outlook centers on expanding his role within Pittsburgh’s backfield and competing for a larger share of offensive touches in the seasons ahead.