Lewis, a wide receiver and kick returner, was known as "Beer Man" because he drove a beer truck before getting a tryout with his hometown team and making the roster in 2001 at age 29. He soon became the team's star return man and wildly popular with fans.

"Michael is part of the fabric of our community and will always have a special place in the history of our club," Saints owner Tom Benson said in a statement. "The way he made our team, as a player who worked hard, wasn't drafted, supported his family and followed his dream, is unique and something we're all proud to be a part of."

Lewis departs as the Saints' career leader in kickoff returns (243 for 5,903 yards) and punt returns (142 for 1,482 yards). He has four touchdown returns — three on kickoffs and one punt return.

In 2002, he set team single-season records for kickoff return yardage (1,807) and punt return yards (625), was voted to the Pro Bowl and selected to the Associated Press All-Pro team. His 2,432 combined return yards that season set an NFL record.

Lewis injured his left knee in the 2005 season and missed much of 2006.