D.D. Lewis, the 2001 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred at Mississippi State from 1965-67, passed away Sept. 16. He was 79.
 
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of D.D. Lewis, a true legend of our game and a proud member of the College Football Hall of Fame," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "D.D. embodied everything we celebrate in the Hall — toughness, talent, and character. He stood out as one of the nation's best linebackers despite playing on struggling teams. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Mississippi State community."

Despite playing on losing teams that went 7-23 during his three varsity seasons, Lewis was recognized as a star. He earned First Team All-SEC accolades twice and First Team All-America honors once in 1967. His senior year, he was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Opposing coaches praised him, and Hall of Fame Coach Vince Dooley of Georgia called him "the best linebacker we faced." Hall of Fame Coach Bill Yeoman, the Houston coach, called him "the best linebacker I saw all year." And Hall of Fame Coach Bear Bryant of Alabama went even further, citing him "no doubt about it, the best linebacker in the country."

Lewis played in the Senior Bowl and the Blue-Gray Game. Selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft, he played 13 years in the pros with the Dallas Cowboys, including five Super Bowl appearances, winning twice. His name was added to the MSU Ring of Honor in 2011.

Born Oct. 16, 1945, he grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, getting his start on the gridiron at Fulton High School.