ENGLEWOOD, Colo. –Former Broncos quarterback Jeff Lewis passed away on Saturday at the age of 39.
Lewis spent the 1996-98 seasons with the Broncos, earning a Super Bowl XXXII title with the team.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of former Broncos quarterback Jeff Lewis. Our most heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Jeff's family and friends," the Broncos released in a statement.
In his two seasons with the club, Lewis completed 10-of-19 passes for 79 yards and ran nine times for 41 yards in five games.
He also spent time with the Carolina Panthers (1999-2001) and the New Orleans Saints (2001-02).
The Broncos selected Lewis in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft out of Northern Arizona.
A member of the Northern Arizona University Hall of Fame, Lewis finished his career at Northern Arizona ranked second on the school's all-time lists for passing yards (9,639), touchdowns (67), completions (785) and attempts (1,315). His 59.6 pass completion percentage ranks second in Lumberjack annals. He holds the NCAA Division I-AA career record for the lowest interceptions percentage (1.82 pct.). Lewis earned third-team All-America and second-team All-Big Sky honors as a junior in 1994.
"This loss is felt throughout NAU Athletics, where Jeff's impact as a player, a coach and an outstanding person will always be remembered," Northern Arizona University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics said. "We were deeply grateful for his return to the football program and wish our time together could have been longer. Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time."
After his NFL playing career, Lewis served as the offensive administration assistant at the University of Louisville in 2007 and 2008 before being promoted to the school's wide receivers coach in 2009.
In 2012, he rejoined his alma matter as its wide receivers coach.
"Jeff Lewis was a great teammate and brought great energy to me and team," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said on Twitter. "He will be missed. My condolences to Jeff's family."
