Lewis Billups

NFL player
Name=Lewis Billups


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DateOfBirth=birth date|1963|10|10|
Birthplace= Tampa, Florida
DateOfDeath=death date and age|1994|04|10|1963|10|10
Deathplace=Orlando, FL
College=North Alabama
Position=Cornerback
DraftedYear=1986
DraftedRound=2 / Pick 38
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Retired=
DatabaseFootball=BILLULEW01
PFR=
years=1986-1991
1992
teams=Cincinnati Bengals
Green Bay Packers
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Lewis Billups (October 10, 1963, Tampa, Florida–April 10, 1994, Orlando, FL) was a former 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.

Known as a tough corner who played with a chip on his shoulder, Billups was a defensive back who was very popular among team mates. 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 led a playboy life style,driving the finest of cars and living in his Orlando mansion. One of Billups closest of friends was Bengals wide receiver Tim McGee who was picked alongside Billups in the 1986 draft. McGee would later comment on how Billups was "the sweetest guy in the world to my wife,and all the other players wives.

Post-NFL Career

At the end of his NFL career, Billups had a number of brushes with the law. He reportedly threatened to kill Jenny Chapman, the sister of NBA player Rex Chapman, whom he was dating. He eventually served over a year in prison, gaining his release on April 4, 1994. Six days later, Billups died in a car crash when driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph he lost control on Interstate 90 his corvette convertible destroying over 50 meters of steel railing. Billups friend 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 to 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."