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Troy star Chris Lewis is one of the best players in college football that you’ve probably never heard of.
Lewis, a redshirt junior, was a four-star product out of high school according to 247Sports and originally committed to Kentucky before joining the Trojans out of the transfer portal as a redshirt sophomore.
He broke out as one of the nation’s best deep threats a year ago, catching 32 balls for 735 yards and 10 touchdowns. But Lewis won’t play in 2024.
❤️ @ChrisLew__#BattleReady | #OneTROY ⚔️🏈 pic.twitter.com/s96s2e2WON
— Troy Trojans Football 8x⚔️ (@TroyTrojansFB) July 16, 2024
Instead, he’ll return to school as a student assistant after recently being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing surgery and additional treatment for osteosarcoma.
Troy Star Chris Lewis Shares Details Of His Cancer Diagnosis
Lewis posted a GoFundMe page with the following message about his illness:
My name is Chris Lewis and I’m a red-shirt junior WR at Troy University. I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my left femur in December 2023, just days after playing in the Sun Belt Conference Championship.
I had to leave my teammates, friends, coaches, and support system in Troy to begin an intense treatment process that includes 10 weeks of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the mass, and then another 10 weeks of chemo.
On the field for the Trojans, I finished the 2023 season ranked 16th in the country with 10 touchdown catches and led the country averaging 22.97 yards per catch. I was featured multiple times on SportsCenter Top 10 for my signature one-handed catches, including the No. 1 and No. 2 play of the night from my three-touchdown game against South Alabama.
Even with insurance, the financial burdens of battling cancer are significant for anyone, especially for a college student like me, as I have out-of-pocket expenses for treatment and medications essential in my fight.
I’ve worked closely with Troy Athletics to ensure that all donations comply with NCAA rules and that once I beat cancer, I can return to the football field.
Lewis quickly received an outpouring of support from across the college football world.
“Chris Lewis was one of my favorite guys to watch last season. Wishing the best for him in recovery!” @Dubsco tweeted.
“We are so proud of you, @ChrisLew__! Keep fighting and you will get back on the field! So glad you’ll be able to help as a student assistant!” wrote @BenOnSports.
Hopefully Lewis makes a speedy, full recovery and is back terrorizing defensive backs in 2025.