Michael Lewis, team ambassador of the New Orleans Saints, is best known as a return specialist. Although Lewis did not play college football, he was signed by the Louisiana Bayou Beast in 1998. Lewis has also played for the New Orleans Thunder, New Jersey Red Dogs, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers. In 2000, Lewis' life would dramatically change as went from a former Budweiser beer truck driver (thus, the nickname “Beer Man”) to being signed by the New Orleans Saints practice squad. In 2001, he was sent by the Saints to play for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Later that year, Lewis would begin his career as a New Orleans Saint. In 2002, he would set an NFL record for combined kick-punt return yardage with 2,432 yards total (1,807 kickoff, 625 punt). He is currently the Saints' all-time career leader in punt returns (142) and punt return yardage (1,482). On June 15, 2007, the Saints released him. The local New Orleans newspaper, the Times-Picayune, titled the news, “There's a Tear in My Beer” because he was a local inspiration, who went from beer truck driver to NFL star. Michael Lewis' autobiography covers his life from his humble beginnings to becoming a NFL star. It also covers his faith and determination as well as the struggles he had to face and overcome. His inspiring story will touch the hearts of millions.
