Isaiah Lewis
Safety
Michigan State
5-10, 211
1st year
Who is your football mentor or inspiration?
I have an older brother, Trey Lewis, he's five years older than me, and I watched him play football growing up. I would tell my mom, my parents, 'I want to play football.' My brother really inspired me to play and work hard and push through things and the kind of adversity he went through. It really helped em to become the kind of player I am.
What motivates you?
My family. It wasn't easy for me growing up so succeeding for me is everything.
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Photos of the 2014 Safeties.
Mike Mitchell against the Panthers.
Troy Poamalu dives at an opponent vs the Cleveland Browns.
Rob Golden celebrates after scoring a touchdown as a result of a forced fumble by Shamarko Thomas.
Ross Ventrone against the Cleveland Browns.
Will Allen on the sidelines.
Shamarko Thomas celebrates after making a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons.
What is your football mindset?**
Focus. When I walk through that door everything else, my outside life, stays out there. When I come through that door it's all about football. This is my life right now. Whatever I do here dictates my future.
Why do you play football?
I love the game. I couldn't even see my life without playing football.
What is your proudest football moment or memory?
Winning the (2014) Rose Bowl at Michigan State.
Who is the teammate that has made the biggest impression on you?
We had a guy when I was at Michigan State, Arthur Ray Jr., and he battled cancer. Man, seeing that guy battle, seeing somebody go through something lke that it really inspires you. What he loved got taken away from him for a little bit but he still kept going (and eventually earned a tryout this spring at Miami's rookie minicamp). That was an inspiration to me.
When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?
The mentality of their defense, their hard-nosed play, their high motor and that will to never give up.
What do you like about Pittsburgh?
It's different to me, all these hills. It's kind of crazy to me. I'm kind of lucky that I have a truck. I kind of have to hit the gas full speed sometimes to get up some of these hills, but I'm making it.
What are your goals for 2015?
To help this team the best that I can, any role that I can play to help this team succeed that's the role that I'm going to play.
What are your career goals?
I want to be one of the best safeties to play the game. And I truly believe if you want to be something you have to believe it. I truly believe I can do that.
