Damione Lewis

Damione Ramon Lewis (born March 1, 1978 in Sulphur Springs, Texas) is an American football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.

Lewis has also been a member of the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots.

Early years
Lewis attended Sulphur Springs High School in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

College career
Lewis played college football at the University of Miami. After redshirting as a true freshman, Lewis started in his second year and produced a career-high 72 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. As a sophomore in 1998 he led all Hurricanes defensive linemen with 52 tackles and registered two sacks. In 1999, as a junior Lewsi posted 57 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery and was named to the second-team All-Big East. As a senior he recorded 39 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named first-team All-Big East and Third-Team All-American by the Sporting News.

Lewis started 41 of 43 games at Miami and finished his career with 220 career tackles, 15.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles.

St. Louis Rams
Lewis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 12th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. On July 27, 2001, Lewis agreed to a five-year, $7.5 million contract with the Rams. As a rookie in 2001, Lewis played in nine games with three starts prior to being placed on injured reserve with a broken right foot, keeping him out of the Rams' Super Bowl XXXVI loss to the New England Patriots. The following year he played in 16 games with two starts (one at defensive end and one a defensive tackle). He posted 44 tackles, four sacks, 14 quarterback pressures and one pass defensed.

In 2003, Lewis played in 12 games (starting the first seven of the season). He registered 34 tackles, half a sack, 13 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and one pass defensed. A sprained ankle against the Pittsburgh Steelers hampered his playing time in the second half of the season.

In 2004 Lewis again earned the starting job at the outset of the season, starting the first 10 contests and playing in all 16. He amassed career highs of 61 tackles and five sacks in addition to recording eight quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and two passes defensed. The next season he played in 16 games with seven starts. However, in 2005, he was in the starting lineup for the final seven contests. He produced 45 tackles, one sack, 23 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Lewis played for the Rams for five years, starting 29 of 69 games, and recording 10.5 sacks.

Carolina Panthers
On March 14, 2006, the Carolina Panthers signed him to a two-year deal worth about $3.5 million.

In 2006, Lewis played in 16 games with three starts in his first season in Carolina. He posted 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 11 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and three pass deflections. Lewis contributed to defense that finished seventh in the NFL in total defense and tied for eighth in scoring defense, allowing 19.1 points per game. He also helped unit rank 11th in the league in rushing yards per game, third in third-down efficiency and seventh in sacks per pass play. The 41 sacks by defense was the fourth-highest total in team history. In 2007, Lewis played 15 games with two starts, which brough his career totals to 100 career games and 34 career starts. For the season Lewis recorded 32 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a pass deflected and a fumble recovery.

After the 2007 season the Panthers re-signed Lewis to a new three-year $14 million extension.

In 2008, Lewis became a full time starter after Kris Jenkins was traded. Lewis started 15 games on the year missing one start due to injury. He had 43 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an 1 forced fumble during the year.

He was released on March 4, 2010.

New England Patriots
Lewis signed with the New England Patriots on April 2, 2010. Lewis was released on September 3, 2010, during final cuts.

Houston Texans
Lewis signed with the Houston Texans on October 25, 2010.