ASU football coach talks cancer battle during previous season

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Alabama State University football defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis Sr. has a lot to be grateful for during the 2024 season, as it’s his first one being cancer-free.

Lewis was diagnosed with jaw cancer ahead of the 2023 football season.

“I thought it was a joke,” Lewis said. “I thought maybe it was a misdiagnosis.”

The football coach leaned into his faith and continued coaching the Hornets’ defense despite doctors telling him that he would miss the first game against Southern University.

“I used my skills that I learned in football, which is sudden change,” said Lewis. “You can’t allow things that happen bad to affect the next day.”

Lewis’ prayers were answered. He returned to Alabama State ready to coach ahead of the season, saying the support from family, friends and the university kept him going.

The defensive coordinator described his victory over cancer as like getting a “second life.”

Lewis uses his cancer journey as a way to inspire his players to keep showing up.

“Life is so precious. When you get to a point where you’re dealing with life and death, man, football is just the icing on the cake,” he said.

Lewis had to have reconstructive surgery on his jaw following his cancer battle.

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