What does ethical leadership look like in the professional sports world? Join us for an engaging presentation from former NFL pro and BYU football player, Chad Lewis as he shares with us his experiences in being a leader in both professional and collegiate sports.  Chad will also talk about ethical leadership in a unique environment like the NFL and how the BYU Athletic Program put out a call for financial support during the pandemic and the outcome of that effort. 

About Chad Lewis:

Over his collegiate career as a Cougar, Chad Lewis never failed to entertain and keep fans on their toes. The BYU walk-on started in 22 games and finished his BYU career as one of the best tight ends in the nation.

The catch that first piqued fans' interest in Lewis may have been his one-handed touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone against Ohio State in the 1993 Holiday Bowl. But Lewis didn't fail in maintaining that interest. In the 1996 Western Athletic Conference Championship Game in Las Vegas, Nev., Lewis caught a 13-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help lead the Cougars to victory. The tight end was known for his soaring vertical. Lewis, who also high-jumped on BYU's track and field team, blocked a total of five kicks throughout his collegiate career. In 1995 he blocked a PAT against San Diego State. The subsequent blocked field goals came in critical moments against New Mexico (1994), Notre Dame (1994), Colorado State (1993) and Air Force (1993). During his senior year, Lewis led his team to a victory over Kansas State at the 1996 Cotton Bowl with five catches for 79 yards. That same year he finished the season second in touchdown receptions among the nation's tight ends with five. He was fifth nationally in receptions by a tight end (37) and ninth in receiving yardage (420).

Epitomizing the student-athlete, Lewis also worked hard academically. Lewis was a three-time Academic All-WAC selection and was named an Academic All-American in 1996. He also earned a spot on the College Football Association All-Academic Team. Lewis ended his career at BYU having caught a pass in 24 consecutive games. The Cougar walk-on hauled in a total of 111 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Shortly after graduating in 1997 with a degree in communication studies, Lewis signed as a rookie free agent with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. The three-time Pro-Bowl selection led all NFL tight ends in 2000 with 69 catches, becoming the first Eagle to exceed the 50-catch plateau since 1989. In 2005, Lewis made an appearance with the Eagles in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

Lewis is married to former volleyball All-American and Cougar Club Hall of Fame member Michele Fellows. They have five children. Lewis is an author and has been an ambassador for the NFL in Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand.