Football signed by Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis. Formerly a Budweiser beer truck driver (thus, the nickname "Beer Man"), Lewis was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason in 2000. He was cut before the regular season began. Lewis returned to his hometown of New Orleans to deliver beer locally. But, at the end of the 2000 NFL regular season, the New Orleans Saints gave him a chance by signing him. Then the Saints sent him over to play for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in 2001. Lewis was the feature return specialist for the Saints from 2002 until September 19, 2005, during a game against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands, where he injured his MCL and was put on injured reserve for the rest of the season. He returned to playing for the Saints a year later on October 29, 2006, during a home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2002, Lewis 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 December 21, 2003, he also played a role in the River City Relay as one of the receivers that would lateral a touchdown in a last second attempt to win the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (in which the Saints lost). The River City Relay won an ESPY, NFL play of the year, and an ESPN.com internet poll. In April 2006, Lewis returned to the Saints for a shot at one last season after rehabilitating from his knee injury.
Lewis subsequently took a position as a "Team Ambassador" for the Saints. Although no longer playing, Lewis was awarded a Super Bowl ring after the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV in recognition of his continuing role with the team. In 2015, Lewis was selected for the Saints Hall of Fame.