Mercedes Lewis, a 40-year-old tight end, has officially signed on for his 19th season in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Despite his age, Lewis remains dedicated to the game and eager to continue playing if a team is willing to sign him.
Lewis’ extensive NFL career, spanning multiple teams, adds an intriguing element to the Bears as they prepare for training camp and a potential appearance on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” With new quarterback Caleb Williams and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on board, the Bears are undergoing some changes for the upcoming season.
Despite minimal statistics last season, with just four passes caught for 29 yards and one touchdown, Lewis is valued for his blocking abilities on the field. This complements the more receiving-focused skills of his fellow tight ends on the roster. Financial details of Lewis’ one-year contract were not disclosed by the team.
With just four more games played, Lewis will surpass Jason Witten’s current record of 271 games played by a tight end, securing his place in NFL history. The news of Lewis’ re-signing was first reported by Jay Glazer of Fox on Sunday and confirmed by the Bears on social media the following day.
