Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis prepares for the NFL team's practice in Pittsburgh Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Posted: Thursday, 14 March 2013 6:38PM
WWL Exclusive: First interview with CB Keenan Lewis
Jay Vise Reporting
WWL's Bobby Hebert and Kristian Garic were the first media members to interview new Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis after he signed a five-year deal to return home to play for the Black & Gold.
Lewis said that being recruited by a team that had Drew Brees at the helm was definitely a factor.
"I watch Drew Brees a lot. Everything that he brings to those guys...the passion that he has for the game, it's an honor to play with a guy like that. He's giving his all, every single play. So that just motivates me more to just follow along with him...He's a tremendous guy, and one of the best leaders in the game, and I've never met him. I can just tell, by the way he carries his team. I took that into consideration, to have an opportunity to have a leader like that, and to play for him, I was very excited.
Keenan, who racked up great numbers at O. Perry Walker, talked about what it is like to be able to play for his hometown:
"When I first came out of Oregon State into the Draft, I was dreaming that (the Saints) would pick me. So, when they didn't I had to go to Pittsburg, so I was a little jealous...I always told my family members, one day I'd like to end my career in my city. So, just to have the opportunity to be here for a long time...I'm ready to go, I'm excited."
Bobby asked him about being the "complete" cornerback, being stout in the run-support game, and if his size and weight help him tackle runners.
"It helps me a lot. I train extremely hard, and I prepare for that. In this lead, it's about covering. With those guys, we're the last line of defense...I try to make tackles that come my way, so that we don't have touchdowns scored on us."
And, the Cajun Cannon noted that Lewis has the brains to go with the brawn, being a four-time Academic All-Pac 10 choice
"Definitely, that was a great honor to have. I come from a background full of teachers. My Mom is a teacher...that is something I strive for, I'm a great role model in my community, and in the city of New Orleans. These kids and everyone look up to me to do the right thing, so I try to do do everything possible, so I know that one day one of these kids can follow my footsteps."
In fact, Lewis confirmed to us that us he turned down bigger money from other teams for the chance to come home and play in the Superdome.
"This is one of those opportunities, a dream, I couldn't pass up. You know, when you're chasing a dream, it's not always about how much money you can get. Sometimes, you just got to capture it. I talked to Coach Payton, and Rob Ryan, and all the guys on the staff, and I really enjoyed myself."
Everyone has an opinion. Over the course of the last three days here is what I think about the 2013 New Orleans Saints Minicamp.
A. Rob Ryan is making a difference – From the little time I've been around Coach Ryan I can tell you he is a guy...
The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their three day minicamp today with a morning practice. If the Who Dat Nation is looking for good news about their defense, then the showing the defenders gave during these three days of practice has to be at the very...
They did not play their best baseball of the season. They did not have their full roster of players. And they at times did not look like the #1 ranked team in the nation. But none of that matters after the LSU Tigers won their regional with a clean...
If anyone knows a thing or two about being a wide receiver, it's a former NFL wide receiver, right? Now entering his second season over the Saints wide receivers, Coach Henry Ellard is pleased with what he has seen thus far out of pass...
The New Orleans Saints hit the practice field this morning at 10:15 to begin their annual mini-camp. The Saints went through an installation period at the start of practice and then the team began to stretch at 10:46. (My full recap follows, and scroll...
LSU fans proudly donned shirts that read "Geauxmaha" at the College World Series. Perhaps they should trade them in for shirts that read "Geaux-home-aha." That's exactly what LSU is doing after just two games in Omaha, and until they change a...
It's hard to believe two of the top baseball programs in the country are looking at a "two and done" scenario at the CWS this afternoon. The Tigers and Tarheels have gone back and forth in the national polls as the number 1 team in country, with LSU...
Sure, Alex Bregman's error in the 8th inning led to the go-ahead score for UCLA in a 2-1 win over LSU. Catcher Ty Ross also committed an error as well in the 6th inning that lead to a run. However, those are physical mistakes. The mental mistake of...
The LSU Baseball team took in a practice at Bellvue East High School just south of Omaha on Saturday. The team, and their coach, seemed very relaxed.
The day started with overcast skies and a few drops of rain, with much stronger weather...
I caught up with LSU Head Coach Paul Maineiri here in Omaha as he signed autographs for Tiger fans at TD Ameritrade Park. The LSU faithful were out in force two full days before their first game, with a line for autographs that stretched halfway around...
E-Mail
Print
