Alabama player famous for illegal sideline tackle

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Former Alabama player Tommy Lewis, who gained fame for a play when hewasn’t supposed to be on the field, has passed away.

Mr. Lewis died Sunday in a Huntsville retirement home at age 83, according to Laughlin Funeral Home.

Mr. Lewis came off the sideline in the 1954 Cotton Bowl and tackled Rice All- America halfback Dicky Maegle near the 50yard line.

Maegle had eluded Alabama’s Bart Starr andwas on hisway to a 95- yard touchdown run when Mr. Lewis brought him down. Mr. Lewis ran back to the bench, and Maegle was credited with a touchdown.

Mr. Lewis explained the actions by saying that he “was just too full of Alabama.”