Truth is, the plan was to title this article “Nik Lewis, the Natural Born Leader.” But then Nik himself said something pretty wise that mucked-up that plan: “I believe you find your way into being a leader.” Alright, so Nik was not born a leader, but he sure grew into the role quite nicely.
On the field as well as off, the veteran slotback has proven time and again that he’s as reliable as they come. At 35 years of age and going into his 14th pro season, Nik is still going strong and playing at a high level.
Two weeks ago, he passed Ben Cahoon for receiving yards, grabbing the #6 all-time spot in the league. Last Wednesday, he caught his 1,000th pass, becoming only the fourth player to reach that mark, and if he keeps progressing at this rate, he might just finish the season at the top of the list.
We really had no choice but to give him a nickname: “Mr. Milestone.” While he feels incredibly fortunate to still be playing at a high-level, Nik sees his accomplishments as standards.
“It’s always good to do well and to be consistent,” Nik said. “Looking at Ben’s career and at how he played, it’s inspiring to see how a great player like him got there. But, after all, milestones are standards. I always say that I’m just setting a new standard for some of the young guys to reach just like Milt Stegall, Geroy Simon, Terry Vaughn, Ben Cahoon and other great receivers set the standards for me to achieve.”
Nik became a noteworthy football player as a result of several factors, the first being (aside from his undeniable talent) his humility. When first signed by Calgary, young Nik was only 21 years old. Understandably, at that point in his life, he was mostly focused on showing-off his phenomenal athletic skills. However, he was humble enough to let veteran (and ex-Alouette) Jeremaine Copeland take him under his wing.
“Being around him every day in the locker room for five years made me grow,” Nik said. “Jeremaine is a guy that allowed me to become a better athlete. I became a better person, a better football player and a better teammate and it’s 99% thanks to Jeremaine.”
Now, the tables have turned. Just like Nik was quick to give credit to the likes of Copeland, Ken-Yon Rambo and Romby Bryant for his football upbringing, the Alouettes organization did not hesitate to praise Nik’s leadership skills. When asked why Lewis is such an important element of the Als’ roster, Kavis Reed provided a rather convincing answer.
“Nik is still very productive” Reed said. “He had one of his most efficient seasons in 2016 and we’re still continuing to see productivity. In addition to that, the things he does outside of the playing field and the leadership that he exhibits are outstanding. There isn’t an amount that you can put on that.”
In fact, our slotback always seems to be thinking about the next one in line. Nik possesses the attributes of a true Gemini, as fellow receiver (and fellow Gemini) B. J. Cunningham puts it. Namely, he knows how to teach.
“We have Justin, we have Jacques and we have Nik,” Cunningham said. “He helps line everybody up. He’s like a computer. He sees it once and he’s got it. I actually make a point to sit next to him in every meeting so that when the coaches go over something, Nik and I can go over it again together. We’re always hanging out, kicking it, on the field and off the field. He’s like a big brother to me and I learn from him every day.”
When the two-time Grey Cup champ joined the Alouettes, it didn’t take long for him to understand the impact that he could have on the team.
“I don’t know if it’s because the expectations were not the same or if it has to do with the locker room being a little different,” Nik said. “One thing is for sure: to become a leader, you have to work, you have to put it out there. You have to showcase a certain mindset for people to say, ‘you know what, I’m ready to get behind this, I’m ready to go’.”
According to general manager Reed, the 5’ 10” vet has just that: the right mindset.
“He’s been in the league for over a decade, but he can still relate to the rookie players and communicate with them effectively,” Reed explained. “He knows all the buttons to push to get the most out of guys and he never flaunts in their faces that he’s a future hall of famer. That is a mark of a humble leader and humility is what’s critically important when you’re trying to get a message across to young guys. It’s not about where you’ve been or what you’ve done, it’s about relating to them. That’s what Nik does very well.”
So, according to Nik, what makes a great leader?
“Leaders are prepared,” he said. “When you look back in history – at wars, at armies – you see that leaders were prepared.”
Those few words actually say a lot about the player Nik has become. If you’ve watched him play, you know how colourful and creative our slotback can get (he’s known for leaping over linebackers and defensive backs).
When a player focuses on his preparation, he can let loose on the battlefield. In fact, quarterback Darian Durant has a strong appreciation for his teammate’s ways.
“It’s huge to be on the same side as Nik,” Durant said. “He’s always the guy I can lean on, in every situation. He keeps the locker room energized and he’s an absolute monster on the field. There’s not a single defense that he can’t read, a concept that he can’t pick up.”
He’s talented, charismatic, humble AND intelligent. He’s the teammate every one wishes for, and the best thing is that he’s still evolving as a player. After becoming a father a little over two years ago, Nik realized that every day he went without being with his daughter had to be a valuable one.
“I don’t want to waste days that I’m not around her,” he said. “If I’m going to sacrifice my time with her, I need to sacrifice it for great things.”
We like to think that playing for the Montreal Alouettes is one of those great things.
When he left Calgary, Nik wanted to start fresh. (Interesting fact: he was given the choice between keeping his #82 or getting a new number. He now wears #8.)
“Sometimes in life, you outgrow things,” he admits. “You get too comfortable and you’re forced to move and grow. I truly believe that my move to Montreal has allowed me to evolve in so many ways.”
Nik, if you continue to keep growing as much as Montreal fans (or friends, as you like to call them) have continued to grow to love you, then you will, without a doubt, reach all-time highs.
