Dion Lewis goes from Eagles castoff to Brady's Mr. Reliable

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Patriots running back Dion Lewis spent the first two seasons of his career with the Eagles, the team he will face Sunday in Super Bowl LII.

Lewis, a fifth-round pick of the Eagles in 2011, was asked Tuesday what he remembers about his time in Philadelphia.

“Not playing,” he said.

He’s not kidding. Lewis was buried on the depth chart behind LeSean McCoy and Ronnie Brown when he arrived in 2011. He had just 102 rushing yards on 23 carries. A year later, he finished with 13 carries for 69 yards.

The Eagles traded him to the Browns before the 2013 season for linebacker Emmanuel Acho. The Browns cut him in 2014 and then the Colts did, too, before he landed in New England. So, does he have a chip on his shoulder playing the Eagles on Sunday?

“I wouldn’t say because of who we are playing,” Lewis said. “I always try to play with a chip on my shoulder just to go out there, prove what I can do. That’s kind of my motivation — to go out there and show people what I can do. It’s not because of who we’re playing, I just have that same mentality no matter what.”

On Tuesday, he was reminded of that trade to Cleveland when Acho, now working for ESPN, was in his media session and asked him if he thought he got the better end of the trade.

“I don’t know though because I got cut after I got traded for you,” Lewis said with a smile. “It’s definitely been a long journey. I’m actually happy that you’re here, man. That reminds me of what I’ve been through.”

Lewis was a key player for the Patriots this season, gaining 1,110 yards combined between rushing and receiving. He scored nine touchdowns.

“Dion’s been an incredible player for us since he got to the team,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “He’s really played a big role in our offense this year — running, catching. He’s been the focal point in different games. He’s been so reliable and dependable. He really battled to overcome a really tough injury a couple of years ago. He fought hard last year to get back to where he wanted to be. This year, he has been at absolutely full strength and running and catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s smart, so consistent. He’s had a great season.

“We’re going to need a big game from him. He’s going to have to play his very best. That’s what we’re expecting. When he’s playing good, it’s a whole different level for our offense.”

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