‘Big Dog’ has become valued voice in Packers’ locker room

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Lewis initially debated whether to return for a 14th season, but it turned out to be the right decision. Since Lewis re-signed with Green Bay in March, 2019 has brought out the best in him, both as a tight end and a teammate.


Under Head Coach Matt LaFleur, Lewis had a more defined role in the offense. With four regular-season games remaining, he’s nearly doubled his workload from a year ago in playing 354 offensive snaps (43.3%).


More than just a blocking tight end in LaFleur’s scheme, Lewis has complemented the offense with 11 receptions for 131 yards this season, including a very emotional touchdown catch from Rodgers in last Sunday’s 31-13 win over the New York Giants.


With a little more than seven minutes remaining, and the Packers a yard from the Giants’ end zone, Rodgers barked out “Big Dog! Big Dog! Big Dog!” before rolling out and throwing a pass where only Lewis could catch it.


“Marcedes represents so much of this game,” said Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who spent two seasons with Lewis in Jacksonville. “Anytime you see a guy like that have a chance to get a touchdown and then have to actually really work at it and make that play and Aaron getting it to him, it was great.


“I wish there was a million guys like that because he’s a very good dude.”


For all the attention thrust upon Lewis for that catch, Rodgers points towards Green Bay’s 37-8 letdown in San Francisco a week earlier as Lewis’ shining moment. In reviewing the game, LaFleur gave his postgame speech to the players before reaching forward to break down the team huddle.


Lewis, looking to add a player’s voice, stepped forward and said he had something to say. For the next few minutes, the veteran had the attention of every person in the room. He spoke passionately about preparation, accountability and how the two affect not only your performance but that of the entire team.


“After the Niner game, he said some incredible words to us. He’s done that on a regular basis all season,” Rodgers said. “I have so much respect for his ability to feel those moments and understand exactly what needs to be said clearly and direct and to the point and not mixing words. It just shows what kind of person he is and I just have a ton of respect for that.”


If more than a decade spent in the NFL has taught Lewis anything, it’s that there is way too much parity to rest on your laurels. Every day from the first practice of training camp to the final game of the season is about staying on top of things in order to rise above the razor-thin margin for error among the league’s 32 teams.