2008 Woodie Awards
Football senior gains life lessons
Carla Mancebo
Issue date: 5/15/07 Section: Sports
Some college football players will be drafted to the NFL and others, like Bernie Lewis, a senior majoring in business management, will graduate this spring and pursue diverse aspirations.
"Football has taught me a lot of good life lessons," Lewis said, "like time management and being resilient, following through, all things that will help me later in life."
Since transferring from American River College in Sacramento three years ago, Lewis excelled as a wide receiver for San Jose State University's football team, said teammate Michael Hooper.
"Bernie is a hard worker, he is really intense when he works out," Hooper said. "He plays at full speed and he has good hands."
Lewis, who hoped for a selection in last week's NFL draft, said the injuries he suffered this season left him on bench and out of the light of the draft.
"There were times in the season I was really frustrated," Lewis said, "every player wants to compete" Lewis said. "I was just behind some guys that are really good players and that affirmed my skill."
Lewis said he is happy for his team mates who "got to realize their dreams." Not making the draft has not changed his plans to follow his dream after graduation in a career for an arena football team.
"Obviously my biggest dream is to play for the NFL," Lewis said.
Aware of the obstacles blocking a career in professional football, Lewis said he aims to get a master's degree in administration or a biological field.
"Football built my character, it tested me" Lewis said. "I see myself doing a lot."
Former wide receiver coach Keith Williams worked with Lewis since 2004 and said Lewis is endlessly trying to improve and is constantly developing skills both on and off the field.
"He is a good student," Williams said. "He has always put a premium on graduation. He has grown physically and mentally since coming to SJSU."
Williams said Lewis's maturity and focus have grown and foresees Lewis becoming a football coach.
"Football has taught me a lot of good life lessons," Lewis said, "like time management and being resilient, following through, all things that will help me later in life."
Since transferring from American River College in Sacramento three years ago, Lewis excelled as a wide receiver for San Jose State University's football team, said teammate Michael Hooper.
"Bernie is a hard worker, he is really intense when he works out," Hooper said. "He plays at full speed and he has good hands."
Lewis, who hoped for a selection in last week's NFL draft, said the injuries he suffered this season left him on bench and out of the light of the draft.
"There were times in the season I was really frustrated," Lewis said, "every player wants to compete" Lewis said. "I was just behind some guys that are really good players and that affirmed my skill."
Lewis said he is happy for his team mates who "got to realize their dreams." Not making the draft has not changed his plans to follow his dream after graduation in a career for an arena football team.
"Obviously my biggest dream is to play for the NFL," Lewis said.
Aware of the obstacles blocking a career in professional football, Lewis said he aims to get a master's degree in administration or a biological field.
"Football built my character, it tested me" Lewis said. "I see myself doing a lot."
Former wide receiver coach Keith Williams worked with Lewis since 2004 and said Lewis is endlessly trying to improve and is constantly developing skills both on and off the field.
"He is a good student," Williams said. "He has always put a premium on graduation. He has grown physically and mentally since coming to SJSU."
Williams said Lewis's maturity and focus have grown and foresees Lewis becoming a football coach.
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