By Jeff Honza
Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – In sports, injuries are inevitable and when you are sidelined for nearly an entire season it's a whole different story.
For defensive tackle
Steven Lewis, he had a decision to make when he sustained a season-ending groin injury only three games into the 2024 campaign.
Lewis was quickly forced to confront the mental and physical challenges that were coming his way through a difficult road ahead.
"When I found myself on the sidelines, I knew I could either feel sorry for myself and shut everything down or take control of my recovery. I chose the latter," said Lewis.
Instead of dwelling on the fact he was out the final 10 games of SEMO's Ohio Valley Conference-Big South championship run, Lewis analyzed how his injury occurred and worked diligently to ensure it wouldn't happen again.
"It really took its toll on me mentally, I pushed myself every day to come back stronger and healthier," said Lewis. "Little did I know that this experience would redefine my role as a veteran leader."
Entering his sixth year, Lewis holds the privilege of being one of Southeast Missouri's most respected players. He has been through a lot during his career and has a wealth of knowledge he is proud to share with the younger guys on the team.
"I make it a point to instill the lessons I've learned to our younger players, helping them understand the game better and play with confidence," he explained.
Lewis hails from Pontiac, Illinois, a blue-collar town where sports are a way of life.
He was a three-sport athlete competing in football, wrestling and track & field as a prep. He even dabbled in basketball for a couple of years.
Lewis saw action in 10 games during his rookie season at SEMO before starting on the defensive line the next three seasons (2021, 2022, 2023), earning Second-Team All-OVC-Big South laurels in 2022. He then started the first three games of 2024 before his season was cut short.
A huge wrestling fan, Lewis was invited to a WWE tryout during the spring of 2023, an opportunity he described as a dream come true.
He traveled to Philadelphia for the tryout and got to meet some of his professional wrestling idols like Randy Orton, CM Punk and Bobby Lashley.
"It was an unforgettable experience that further fueled my love for the sport. In fact, I even incorporated my love for wrestling into my football persona."
During SEMO's preseason photo shoot, Lewis showed off his passion for wrestling by wearing a Luchador mask for some fun pics.
He also helped execute a fake punt in the Redhawks game at New Mexico State last season. The play, which had a wrestling name just for Lewis, resulted in him running 27 yards for a first down on a fourth-and-2 in the third quarter.
Off the field, Lewis has already earned a certificate in trauma and resiliency studies and is working on his master's degree in criminal justice. His long-term goal is to work in federal law enforcement, possibly with the U.S. Marshals or Homeland Security.
For now, however, he is locked in on the upcoming 2025 season.
"I embrace the role of a veteran leader, knowing I can inspire my teammates. Every time I step onto the gridiron, I carry with me the lessons I've learned from my injury, the guidance of my mentors and the spirit of my small-town community. I find purpose, fulfillment and the opportunity to leave a lasting mark at SEMO."
