Arthur Everett "Pappy" Lewis was an American professional football player and coach who left a significant mark on both collegiate and professional gridirons during the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1911, Lewis first established himself as a talented lineman at Ohio University, where he played from 1932 to 1935. His collegiate success paved the way for a career in the National Football League (NFL), beginning when he was selected as a first-round draft choice by the New York Giants in 1936. He later played for the Cleveland Rams from 1938 to 1939.
Lewis's transition into coaching occurred rapidly. During the 1938 season with the Cleveland Rams, he was appointed as the interim head coach for the final eight games, making him the youngest head coach in NFL history. Following his professional playing and coaching stint, Lewis transitioned to college coaching. He served as the head football coach at Washington and Lee University from 1946 to 1948 before taking the helm at West Virginia University in 1950.
At West Virginia University, Lewis enjoyed his most prominent coaching tenure, leading the Mountaineers until 1959. Under his guidance, the team secured five Southern Conference titles and earned an appearance in the prestigious 1954 Sugar Bowl. Over his collegiate coaching career, Lewis compiled an overall record of 69–55–2, cementing his legacy as a prominent figure in mid-century American college football.
