ATLANTA – The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is set to ignite Mercedes-Benz Stadium with thrilling college football action, but before the No. 12 Pitt Panthers and No. 10 Michigan State Spartans clash, two esteemed alumni will take center stage. In a time-honored tradition, the bowl game is recognizing football legacies Tim Lewis and Morten Andersen as honorary captains for their respective alma maters. These gridiron heroes will join the current team captains for the pregame coin toss, adding a touch of history and prestige to the highly anticipated December 30th faceoff.
Tim Lewis, representing the Pitt Panthers, embodies dedication and excellence both on and off the field. From 1979 to 1982, Lewis was a standout defensive back for Pitt, showcasing his ball-hawking skills with four interceptions and electrifying special teams play, racking up 679 yards on 26 kickoff returns. His time with the Panthers coincided with a golden era for the program, as Pitt consistently ranked among the nation’s elite, securing top-10 finishes in every season Lewis donned the blue and gold. Victories in the Gator and Sugar Bowls further cemented his collegiate legacy. The NFL came calling in 1983, and the Green Bay Packers selected Lewis as the 11th overall pick, a testament to his exceptional talent. In just three seasons in Green Bay, Lewis continued to impress, snagging 16 interceptions and forcing two fumbles. His remarkable 99-yard interception return for a touchdown in 1984 remains etched in Packers history as the longest of its kind.
Transitioning seamlessly from player to mentor, Tim Lewis embarked on a distinguished coaching career spanning nearly three decades. His journey included stints at the collegiate and professional levels, returning to his alma mater Pitt, as well as Texas A&M, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Atlanta Falcons, among others. A Super Bowl XXX appearance and an AFC title victory as a Steelers assistant coach in 1995 highlight his coaching accolades. More recently, Lewis demonstrated his leadership in the AAF and XFL, guiding the Birmingham Iron to a winning season in the franchise’s inaugural year.
On the opposite sideline, Morten Andersen will proudly represent the Michigan State Spartans. A name synonymous with kicking prowess, Andersen etched his mark in Big Ten Conference history with a record-breaking 63-yard field goal against Ohio State University. His stellar collegiate career paved the way for NFL stardom, as the New Orleans Saints selected him in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft. Andersen’s remarkable consistency and accuracy led to an astounding 14 seasons with over 100 points scored. He garnered seven Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier kickers.
In 1995, Andersen joined the Atlanta Falcons, a move that would further cement his place in NFL lore. That same year, he achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first kicker in NFL history to convert three field goals of 50 yards or more in a single game. After six seasons with the Falcons, Andersen’s illustrious career included stops with the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings, before returning to Atlanta to conclude his playing days with the Falcons from 2006 to 2008. Upon retirement, Morten Andersen held NFL records for career points (2,544), most field goals (565), and games played (382). His 40 field goals of 50 yards or longer were also a league best at the time. His exceptional career earned him the rare distinction of being named to two NFL All-Decade Teams (1980s and 1990s) and induction into the Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
The 54th Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to be a historic event as both Pitt and Michigan State make their debut appearances in this prestigious bowl game. This matchup marks the first New Year’s Six bowl game of the 2021 season, adding to the excitement and anticipation. With legends like Tim Lewis and Morten Andersen serving as honorary captains, the 2021 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl promises to be an unforgettable celebration of college football tradition and excellence at alma benz – Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
