Chad Lewis was one of my favorite BYU players of all time, and I was so glad to see him come back around the program, when he retired from the Eagles. He was such a great representation of what BYU stands for, all while being one of the best Tight Ends in the NFL, for a long time. He has carried that humble attitude back to BYU.

Many years ago, when I was blessed by being surprised with a Thursday’s Hero experience, I had the fortuitous experience of getting to spend time with Chad Lewis. I had seriously been given one of the greatest day of my life, but a childhood friend, who was one of Bronco’s Assistants. My mind and BYU Fan heart, was overstimulated, but on the way out, we had to stop and look at the great trophies and displays in the Student Athletic Building. My family, including my wife, my late parents, and in-laws, were all in awe, as we took pictures with the National Championship trophy Display.I glanced over at my father, whose health was not the best, and saw him on his scooter, talking to someone on a bench. They were laughing and having an in-depth conversation, like they were old friends. I got a little closer, and noticed that the person he was deep in conversation with, and laughing together with, was none other than freaking Chad Lewis.

We had met so many coaches and players that day, both past and current. It had been a closed practice, the day before the Oklahoma game, so players didn’t have a lot of media around, and we really had some amazing group and individual experiences, with some friendships that are still close, today, but the best conversation ended up being with Lewis, who had no idea why we were there. He was just dropping in to see the coaches and Tom Holmoe, and decided to say hello to the old man in BYU gear, my late father.

Before long, my entire family was all near the bench Chad had taken on as his podium, and he had my whole family falling in love with him. It was not even until the end of the conversation, after lots of BYU, NFL, and Lewis family stories, that he found out that we were there for Thursday’s Hero, a brand new program back then. (I believe I was the 2nd or 3rd) He was just being the nicest, most genuine guy that he is, who wanted to have a conversation with my late father, who never forgot that experience. Mr Lewis, also extended his gratitude to my in-laws, Season Ticket Holders of over 45 years, who had never met a player in person. He treated them as Legacy Donors, and loved that they remembered his playing days, well.

As for my wife and I, he made us feel like family. He took pictures with us, signed my Y flag that Bronco and the Team had gifted me, and then took extra time to ask all about my disease and life. We were trying to let him go, as we knew he is busy, but he has so many questions, that he sincerely wanted to discuss. I am a nobody, but for that moment, I was given respect like never in my life. Most importantly, though, Chad really took time to give my wife his respect, complimenting her for her strength and faith. He shared his story of his own mother and father’s Battle and brain surgery. He didn’t realize that my father had just survived 2 major brain surgeries of his own. He expressed to my wife, empathy, knowing how hard it can be to be a caregiver and have a loved one with a Chronic or Terminal illness. Seeing the way he treated my parents, my in-laws, and especially my wife, Chad Lewis will ALWAYS be a hero of mine, and is a gift to BYU and BYU Nation.