At 41, He’s Doing What No NFL Player Has Done in Decades — The Ex-Packer Tight End Who Refused to Fade Away.QQ
Denver, CO — Oct. 29, 2025. The Denver Broncos have signed 41-year-old Marcedes Lewis to the practice squad, paving the way for a potential game-day elevation. If he’s activated and plays, Lewis would become theoldest tight end to appear in an NFL game in the Super Bowl era—an unprecedented milestone.
Over nearly two decades, Lewis built his reputation on durability, elite in-line blocking, and poise in critical moments:Jacksonville (2006–2017), Green Bay (2018–2022: 81 games, 57 receptions, 6 TDs), and Chicago (2024: 17 games). The “blocking TE” tag has made him a trusted fit across multiple offensive systems.
From a roster mechanics standpoint, a practice-squad deal gives Denver flexibility to elevate Lewis on game weeks as needed. With the tight end room thinned by injuries, a seasoned veteran can contribute immediately—fortifying the edge in the run game, enabling play-action, and anchoring red-zone packages.
Lewis also acknowledged the emotions surrounding his return. “This return is exciting—I miss those years in Green Bay, the days of running and giving everything I had, and I’ve realized I still can’t walk away from football.”The line captures both his competitive edge and his commitment to the craft.
On the field, Denver can deploy Lewis as a “sixth lineman” in wide-zone concepts and deeper play-action protections, while sprinkling in flat and quick-game routes to keep drives on schedule. The role doesn’t require heavy target volume; it’s aboutmaximizing the efficiency of the entire offensive structure.
The Green Bay connection adds extra intrigue. Lewis was a respected locker-room pillar for the Packers, known for discipline and professional standards. The schedule even sets up a potential reunion:Packers at Broncos on Dec. 14, a date that could deliver an emotional on-field moment.
As one of the last active members of the 2006 NFL Draft class, Lewis’s readiness at 41 underscores top-tier body management, tailored workload planning, and a mindset adaptable to evolving offensive philosophies.
The final lever is Denver’s week-to-week elevation decision. Should the Broncos activate him and Lewis takes the field, he’ll etch his name into history as the first 41+ tight endto play in the Super Bowl era—equal parts nostalgia and a testament to elite longevity.
