Darren Lewis: Texas A&M Football Star and All-American, Dies at 55

Darren Lewis, a former Texas A&M running back, died at 55 after battling cancer, the university confirmed. He gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s at A&M, earning All-American honors in 1988 and 1990. In 1988, he had a standout season rushing for 1,692 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking as the nation’s second-leading rusher behind Barry Sanders.

In 1990, Lewis broke the Southwest Conference career rushing record previously held by Eric Dickerson, finishing eighth in Heisman Trophy voting that year. His collegiate career ended with 5,012 rushing yards, then the fifth-highest in NCAA history, and a record 27 games with over 100 yards rushing for Texas A&M.

Despite his successful college career, Lewis faced challenges in his professional life. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 1991 NFL Draft, his career was hampered by off-field issues, including a positive cocaine test at the combine. He played in only 33 NFL games, primarily in his first two seasons.

Lewis struggled with substance abuse following his NFL career, which led to personal difficulties, including losing his home after a divorce. In 2014, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison due to his involvement in armed robberies in the Dallas area. It was during his time in prison that Lewis was diagnosed with cancer, for which he received treatment outside of prison and recently entered hospice care.

Darren Lewis’s legacy at Texas A&M remains significant, holding records that stood for decades and earning recognition as one of the program’s all-time greats. His life after football was marked by challenges, but his achievements on the field continue to be remembered by the Aggie community.