Lewis Billups
Lewis Billups (October 10, 1963 in Tampa, Florida – April 10, 1994 in Orlando, Florida) was an American football cornerback who played seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers in the National Football League, recording 9 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries. Billups was known to wear an opponent’s T-shirt the day of the game to stay focused.[1]
| Born: | October 10, 1963 Tampa, Florida |
|---|---|
| Died: | April 10, 1994 (aged 30) Orlando, FL |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Cornerback |
| College | North Alabama |
| NFL draft | 1986 / Round: 2 / Pick 38 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1986–1991 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1992 | Green Bay Packers |
Known as a tough corner who played with a chip on his shoulder, Billups was a defensive back who was very popular among teammates. Billups is often remembered for his critical dropped interception in Super Bowl XXIII. In the beginning of the fourth quarter with the Bengals up 13–6 over the San Francisco 49ers and the 49ers driving from the Bengals 10-yard line, quarterback Joe Montana threw a pass towards Billups that he dropped in the end zone. On the next play, the 49ers scored a touchdown, tying the game at 13. Towards the games conclusion, Montana threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor to give San Francisco a 20–16 lead with 34 seconds left. The 49ers won the game 20–16.
When not playing football, Billups was a family man and when he wasn't playing football he spent a great deal of his time in Florida with his family members. One of Billups closest of friends was Bengals wide receiver Tim McGee who was picked alongside Billups in the 1986 draft.
Post-NFL Career
At the end of his NFL career, Billups had a number of brushes with the law. He eventually served over a year in prison, gaining his release on April 4, 1994. Six days later, Billups died in a car crash. Driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph, he lost control on Interstate 4 his Corvette convertible, destroying over 50 meters of steel railing. Billups' friend, Danny Green, who was seated next to him, was killed on impact, but Billups was thrown from the car and was later found by highway patrol men attending the scene. Billups was taken to the Orlando hospital where he died from his injuries. The details of Billups' exploits are prominently featured in the best-selling book, "Pros And Cons."
References
- 1990 NFL Pro Set trading card, Lewis Billups, Card No. 60, Pro Set Properties