Marcedes Lewis Bio
Marcedes Alexis Lewis is an American professional football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 19, 1984, in Los Alamitos, California, he played college football for the UCLA Bruins and earned consensus All-American honors. Selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft, Lewis has had a prolific career, showcasing his skills as both a receiver and a blocker. As of the 2025 season, he is recognized as one of the oldest tight ends in NFL history.
Early Life and Background
Marcedes Lewis was born in Los Alamitos, California. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California, where he played high school football for the Jackrabbits. In 2001, he competed in a nationally televised game against De La Salle of Concord, California. As a senior, Lewis was named as a Parade magazine high school All-American and was considered a top prospect by all major recruiting services. Following high school, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college football for the Bruins from 2002 to 2005. In 49 games with the Bruins, he started 32 times and ranks ninth on the school’s overall career-record receiving list. He holds the UCLA tight end all-time records with 126 receptions, 1,571 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. As a senior in 2005, Lewis was a first-team All-Pacific-10 selection, a consensus All-American, and won the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football.
Path to American Football
Marcedes Lewis was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at UCLA alongside running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who was also selected on the first day by the Jaguars. In July 2006, Lewis signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract that included $4.9 million guaranteed. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 2006 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers and scored his first professional touchdown on a one-yard reception from David Garrard in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills. Over the years, Lewis’s role expanded significantly, and he became a key player for the Jaguars, starting all 16 games in multiple seasons.
Marcedes Lewis Career
Early Career (2006–2010)
Lewis began his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played from 2006 to 2017. In the 2010 season, he matched the Jaguars’ single-season touchdown receptions record with a total of 10 and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He had previously been named as an alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl. His performance during these years established him as a reliable tight end in the league, showcasing his ability to contribute both as a receiver and a blocker.
Breakthrough (2011–2017)
In 2011, due to the NFL lockout, the Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Lewis. He signed a five-year contract reportedly worth about $35 million, which included $17 million guaranteed. Throughout the following seasons, Lewis continued to be a consistent performer, achieving notable statistics and contributing to the team’s success. In the final game of the 2012 regular season against the Tennessee Titans, he had seven receptions for 103 receiving yards, marking his first game over the 100-yard mark. In 2017, he recorded a career-high three receiving touchdowns in a single game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Notable Works and Milestones
Marcedes Lewis’s signature work includes his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he became a fan favorite and a key player. He has been recognized for his contributions with several awards, including the Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and the John Mackey Award in 2005. His career statistics reflect his consistent performance, with over 437 receptions and 5,115 receiving yards as of Week 11, 2025.
Marcedes Lewis Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Marcedes Lewis has received several nominations and accolades, including being named to the Pro Bowl in 2010 and earning the John Mackey Award in 2005.
Marcedes Lewis Awards Won
Marcedes Lewis has won several prestigious awards during his career, including the John Mackey Award in 2005 and being named a Consensus All-American the same year. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl in 2010, highlighting his impact in the NFL.
Marcedes Lewis Family
Information regarding Marcedes Lewis’s family is limited, and no specific details about his parents or siblings are available.
Personal Life
Marcedes Lewis has been active in his hometown of Long Beach, California, holding football camps that combine sports development with academics. He is also an avid fan and practitioner of mixed martial arts (MMA) and has trained with UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell. Lewis frequently attends UFC events, showcasing his passion for sports beyond football.
