Super Bowl LII: Patriots RB Dion Lewis with something to prove vs. Eagles

New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis will have a chip on his shoulder when he takes on his former team in Super Bowl LII.

Coming off the most productive season of his NFL career, New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis now has time to look back at the beginning of his journey.

Like teammate Danny Amendola, Lewis was once a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.  As part of a trade that sent Lewis to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for linebacker Emmanuel Acho, the versatile running back remembers his two-year stint with the Eagles as a motivational petal towards his current day success.

Drafted in 2011 in the fifth round out of the University of Pittsburgh, Dion Lewis entered the league with a lot to prove.  Buried on the depth chart behind LeSean McCoy and Ronnie Brown, that opportunity wasn’t coming quickly with the Eagles.

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In a way, that 2014 trade was a blessing.  Although he never played a down for the Browns, it set up his destination to the New England Patriots. Now, 4 years later, he gets a chance to show his former team the kind of player he is on the biggest stage.

Will he be playing with an edge?

Of course.  But, Lewis approaches every game that way.  He has a lot to prove and having success against the Eagles is just part of his motivation.

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"“I wouldn’t say because of who we are playing,” Lewis told the media.  “I always try to play with a chip on my shoulder just go out there, prove what I can do.  That’s kind of my motivation – to go out there and show people what I can do.  It’s no because of who we’re playing, I just have that same mentality no matter what.”"

Despite not making it with the Eagles, Dion Lewis did take with him some positives, including what he learned from LeSean McCoy. 

Big pay day coming?

The New England Patriots will have a decision to make once the season ends.  Dion Lewis will be one of just a few free agents the team has.  For a team that doesn’t usually spend a ton of money on running backs, what Lewis brings to the table when healthy may be worth the investment.

When asked about his impending free agency at Patriots media availability on Tuesday, the 27-year-old Lewis said he would like to stay.

"“All the stuff I’ve learned, football-wise, from a football standpoint, just being here, learning how to be a champion, that’s something I’ll always remember regardless of what happens [as a free agent], “Lewis said, via WEEI.  “Just cherishing my moments here.  I’m extremely grateful for what they did for me, the opportunities they gave me.  Nobody’s really given me a chance, but these guys gave me a chance.  That definitely means a lot to me.  I’ll always remember what I learned here, and hopefully I’ll still be here.”"

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Patriots fans hope Dion Lewis will return for 2018 and beyond.  It may take a home town discount as there will be other teams making a bid for the dynamic running back.