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Former Buccaneers, USC LB David Lewis Dies at 65

TAMPA, Florida – David Lewis, a key member of the 1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who reached the NFC title game, has died. He was 65 years old.

Lewis died on Tuesday in Tampa. The cause was not immediately known, but he had had health problems in recent years, according to the USC, where he played at university.

He was a second-rounder linebacker pick by the Buccaneers in 1977 and played for them until 1981, including an appearance in the 1980 Pro Bowl.

Lewis was among the defensive stars of the 1979 team that reached the NFC title game, capping the franchise’s “worst to first” transformation. The Bucs won 10 games that year after winning only seven in the previous three franchise seasons.

Lewis also played for the San Diego Chargers in 1982 and the Los Angeles Rams in 1983.

After leaving the NFL, Lewis began a long career as a preparatory coach. He coached at Tampa Catholic High from 1986 to 1990, recording a 33-19 record and winning a district title. He was always on the staff of the Crusaders when he died, working mainly from a golf cart in recent years.

“As talented as he was on the football field, David’s legacy here in the Tampa Bay area will be remembered for the impact he has had on so many young men as a coach. football in Tampa Catholic after his NFL career, “said the Bucs. in a report.

At USC, Lewis wrote from 1974 to 1976, after playing at San Diego City College. As a senior, he was a All-Pac-8 first team selection. As a junior, he led the USC in tackles (90). Lewis played on USC teams that won the Rose Bowl in 1975 and 1977.

He made a revolutionary game in the USC’s return victory over Notre Dame in 1974, when the Trojans won the national championship. USC trailed 24-0 just before half time and then scored 55 consecutive points for the win. Lewis’ hit on Irish kicker Mark McLane at the 8-yard line at the start of the second half helped turn the tide.

He is survived by his wife and a daughter. He was preceded by his son.

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