LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis is on the brink of history.
When Lewis steps onto the field Sunday at Soldier Field as the Bears (1-2) host the Rams (1-2), it will mark his 272nd career game, the most ever by a tight end in NFL history. The 40-year-old Lewis is currently even with former Cowboys star tight end Jason Witten at 271 games played.
"It means everything," Lewis said Thursday, looking ahead to the record. "Obviously, being available and durable is your best ability in this league. And I'm just grateful that I have been able to be consistent throughout.
"I haven't had anything serious ever happen to me," Lewis added, knocking on the wooden interior of his locker. "No surgeries or nothing like that. And I think that plays a big part in it. I'm just grateful and ready to go get this thing."
Lewis was a first-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2006 NFL Draft, which included the likes of Jay Cutler, Devin Hester and Brandon Marshall. He's playing his 19th NFL season — 12 with the Jaguars, five with the Packers and now his second with the Bears.
Lewis was voted a team captain by the Bears and is one of their most celebrated leaders. On the field, he has been lauded as a blocker, and he had his 40th career touchdown reception last season.
Witten has owned the games played record since 2020, when he surpassed Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez and his previous record of 270 games.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.