Marcedes Lewis, 41-year-old tight end, signing with Broncos’ practice squad in 20th NFL season

A first-round pick by the Jaguars in 2006, Lewis spent his first 12 seasons in Jacksonville (2006-2017) before a five-year trip to Green Bay (2018-2022) and playing the past two campaigns in Chicago.

For his career, Lewis has generated 5,115 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns on 437 catches.

The specialty of the man affectionately known as Big Dog is his blocking. The 6-foot-6, 267-pound tight end is stellar in pass protection and a people mover in the run game. It’s the trait that has kept him employed long after others in his draft class long since left the profession.

For context, the rest of his 2006 first-round class hung up their cleats long ago. No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams last played in 2016. Ditto for Reggie Bush. Vince Young, No. 3, last took a snap in 2011. Lewis’ teammate at UCLA, Maurice Jones-Drew, who was selected 32 picks after the TE by Jacksonville, ended his career in 2014.

Devin Hester, taken in the second round in 2006, is already in the Hall of Fame. DeMeco Ryans, taken five picks after Lewis, is in his third season as the head coach of the Houston Texans.

And Big Dog keeps plugging along.