25 Facts About Lewis Cine

Early Life and Background

Lewis Cine's journey from Haiti to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. His early life set the stage for his future success.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on October 5, 1999, in Haiti, Lewis Cine moved to the United States at age four. His family initially settled in Florida before relocating to Everett, Massachusetts.

2. High School Career: Cine attended Everett High School, where he was named the Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. During his junior year, he recorded 65 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick, leading Everett to a second straight MIAA state championship.

3. Transfer to Texas: After his high school coach retired, Cine moved to Cedar Hill, Texas, to live with an uncle. He enrolled at Trinity Christian School for his senior year, where he was coached by Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders.

4. High School Achievements: At Trinity Christian High School, Cine helped lead the team to a state title in 2018. He played alongside Deion Sanders' sons, Shilo and Shedeur, and was a standout player during his time there.

College Career and Achievements

Cine's college years at Georgia were marked by impressive performances and accolades that caught the attention of NFL scouts.

5. College Commitment: Despite offers from top programs like Texas, Michigan, Penn State, and Florida, Cine committed to play college football for the Georgia Bulldogs.

6. Freshman Season: Cine played in all 14 of Georgia's games during his freshman season and started the final two games. His early contributions set the tone for his college career.

7. Sophomore Season: Named a starting safety for the Bulldogs going into his sophomore season, Cine finished with 49 tackles and 12 passes broken up over ten starts.

8. Aggressive Play: Cine was ejected from a game against Florida after drawing a targeting penalty. Known for his aggressive hitting, he earned second-team All-SEC honors as the leading tackler and pass deflector for the eventual national champions.

9. Defensive MVP: Cine was named the Defensive MVP after the Bulldogs' 33-18 victory over Alabama in the national championship game. He had seven tackles (one for a loss) and a pass deflection while the Bulldogs defense held the Crimson Tide to 18 points.

NFL Draft and Professional Career

Cine's transition from college to the NFL was marked by impressive pre-draft workouts and a first-round selection.

10. Pre-Draft Workouts: Cine's talents shone during pre-draft workouts. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, ranking fifth among all safeties. His broad jump of 133 inches (11 feet 1 inch) led all safeties.

11. NFL Draft Selection: Cine was selected in the first round with the 32nd overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the fifth Georgia Bulldog defender to be drafted in the first round that year.

12. Professional Debut: In Week 4 of the 2022 NFL season, Cine suffered a compound fracture injury to his lower left leg during a punt coverage play. This injury required two surgeries and ended his rookie season prematurely.

13. Post-Injury Recovery: Despite the setback, Cine has been working tirelessly to recover from his injury. His dedication and resilience have been evident in his efforts to regain his form and contribute to the Vikings.

14. Release from Vikings: On August 27, 2024, Cine was released by the Minnesota Vikings and became a free agent. This decision was likely due to his poor showing in the previous season and the team's need to make roster adjustments.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Beyond football, Cine's personal life and heritage play a significant role in shaping who he is.

15. Personal Life: Lewis Cine has a daughter named Bella, born in 2017. He has spoken publicly about the importance of his family and how they inspire him to continue working hard in his career.

16. Family Inspiration: Cine wears the number 16 at Georgia, which he chose to honor his mother, Beatrice. She had him when she was 16 years old, and this number holds significant personal meaning for him.

17. Haitian Heritage: Cine's Haitian heritage is a significant part of his identity. He was born in Haiti and has spoken about the challenges he faced as an immigrant in the United States. His journey is an inspiration to many young athletes from diverse backgrounds.

18. Immigration Story: Cine's immigration story is one of resilience and determination. He moved to the United States at a young age and adapted quickly to the new environment. His experiences have shaped him into the person he is today.

High School and College Success

Cine's high school and college careers were filled with notable achievements that showcased his talent and leadership.

19. High School State Titles: Cine won two state titles during his high school career, one at Everett High School in Massachusetts and another at Trinity Christian High School in Texas. These achievements demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure and lead his teams to victory.

20. College State Titles: Cine also played a crucial role in Georgia's national championship win in 2021. He was an integral part of the Bulldogs' defense that helped secure the title against Alabama.

21. College Statistics: Over his career at Georgia, Cine played in 39 games and started 27. He recorded 73 tackles, nine deflections, and an interception in 15 starts during the 2021 season.

NFL Combine and Coaching Influence

Cine's performance at the NFL Combine and the influence of key coaches have been pivotal in his development as a player.

22. NFL Combine Performance: At the NFL Scouting Combine, Cine impressed scouts with his speed and agility. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, which ranked fifth among all safeties. His broad jump of 133 inches (11 feet 1 inch) also led all safeties.

23. Coaching Influence: Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, coached Cine during his senior year at Trinity Christian High School. This experience under Sanders' guidance helped shape Cine into the player he is today.

Leadership and Community Impact

Cine's leadership qualities and community involvement extend beyond the football field.

24. Team Leadership: As a leader on the field, Cine has demonstrated his ability to inspire his teammates and make crucial plays. His leadership qualities are essential for any team looking to succeed in the competitive world of professional football.

25. Community Impact: Beyond his football career, Cine is known for his community involvement. He has participated in various charity events and has been an inspiration to young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.

Lewis Cine's Inspiring Journey

Lewis Cine's path from Haiti to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. His story showcases hard work, resilience, and determination. From his early days in Massachusetts and Texas high schools to his standout college career at Georgia, Cine has consistently proven his talent. Despite a challenging rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, marked by a severe injury, his dedication to recovery and improvement remains strong.

Cine's personal life, including his role as a father and his deep connection to his Haitian heritage, adds depth to his inspiring narrative. His achievements on the field, combined with his community involvement, make him a role model for young athletes everywhere. Though currently a free agent, Cine's future in the NFL looks promising. His journey continues to inspire, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and hard work.