SACRAMENTO, Calif — Among the countless fans tuning into the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions, there was someone living in the Sacramento area who knew both teams intimately.
Former NFL defensive back Eddie Lewis played for both during his NFL career in the 1970s.
“My family has been calling me all week, asking me what team am I going to go for,” Lewis said.
Of course, he said he was supporting the 49ers. It’s where he spent the majority of his time in the NFL.
“We played for the fun of it, because there wasn’t much money in it back then,” Lewis said.
Those were difficult, rebuilding years for the San Francisco team, and a different time in the NFL.
“I didn’t realize that you could see stars until I got hit in the NFL,” Lewis said.
Asked what would be the keys to victory for the 49ers as they head into a rematch against Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs, Lewis said, “defense.”
“My philosophy is defense. We get into the playoffs, defense wins games. And so if their defense can step up, I’m sure that the offense will do their job,” Lewis said.
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