Dwight Douglas Lewis' Obituary
D.D. Lewis was born on October 16, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the youngest of 14 children. He was named Dwight Douglas after two great generals of World War II—Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur. The stalwart Dallas Cowboys linebacker who helped define the franchise’s championship defenses of the 1970s passed away on September 16, 2025. A cornerstone of Tom Landry’s famed “Doomsday Defense,” Lewis spent his entire NFL career in Dallas, where his steadiness, football intelligence, and team-first approach made him one of the club’s most respected figures.
A standout at Mississippi State, Lewis earned All-American honors, was a two-time All-SEC selection, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001. Arriving in Dallas in the late 1960s, he grew into a reliable starter and special-teams mainstay over more than a decade. He helped the Cowboys reach five Super Bowls, contributing to victories in Super Bowls VI and XII and cementing his legacy as a clutch postseason performer. Teammates and coaches alike prized his preparation and poise, traits that made him a leader in one of the NFL’s most celebrated eras and locker rooms.
Known for consistency rather than flash, Lewis embodied the best of the Cowboys’ culture: resilient, unselfish, and fiercely competitive. He was a durable presence through Dallas’s many deep playoff runs and played a pivotal role as the defense evolved across two championship cycles. His special-teams savvy was legendary, including his knack as a long snapper for drawing opponents offside with a subtle movement of his head.
Beyond football, Lewis was devoted to his faith, recovery, and family. Having navigated a tumultuous youth, he credited the Knoxville Boys’ Club as a major influence on his life and a driving force behind his success in football. Even after his playing days, he remained an active supporter of the organization, volunteering for charity golf tournaments and other special events. His dedication to helping others led to his induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame, recognizing those who trace their beginnings to the Club. D.D. was loved for his gentle nature and ready, sweet smile, forming bonds with teammates, friends, and fans who admired his humility and grace long after the cheers faded. His life stands as a tribute to perseverance through adversity and working toward quiet excellence.
D.D. once said "Texas Stadium has a hole in its roof so God can watch his favorite team play". His family finds solace knowing he gets to now watch Cowboy games in the best seat in the house.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Walters Lewis, his daughter, Melna Lewis Bourland and her husband, Peter Bourland, his daughter, Victoria Lewis, his stepson, Brook Barnes and his wife Jennifer Barnes, and his grandsons, Jackson Lewis, Brogan Barnes, and River Barnes.
The family will share details about a celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring his memory by supporting a cause meaningful to you, reflecting the generosity and spirit he showed throughout his life.
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