October 20, 2026 — Kennesaw Mountain High School made football history by retiring jersey number 75 in honor of former player Connor Lew. During a halftime ceremony at a recent home game, the school recognized Lew for his leadership, work ethic, and accomplishments that "helped to transform the program and set a new standard for future generations."
Lew was a standout at Kennesaw Mountain before taking his talents to Auburn University in 2023. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 draft.
Lew’s impact at Kennesaw Mountain began early. As a freshman, he earned a starting role at left tackle on the varsity team. Despite a challenging first season, he remained committed to improving himself and those around him.
After moving from tackle to center, Lew became the anchor of an offensive line that helped usher in a new era of Mustang football. He played a key role as a junior in a historic season that culminated in the program’s first playoff appearance. The Mustangs averaged 32 points per game, won 10 games, secured the region championship, and celebrated the first home playoff game and victory in school history.
Head Coach Caleb Carmean recognized Lew’s dedication from the beginning, praising his unmatched work ethic and commitment to the program.
"Connor was fully committed since arriving on day one," Coach Carmean said. "His legacy as a Mustang goes far beyond records and awards."
Lew’s individual accomplishments speak for themselves. He earned first-team all-county, all-region, and all-state honors, was named the team’s Most Valuable Player twice, selected as an AJC Super 11, and recognized as a 2023 All-American. He also established school records in the bench press, squat, and power clean. Most impressively, Lew maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout all four years of high school.
"Connor was the hardest-working kid in the building," said Assistant Principal Phil Matthews. "He was second to none on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. He's the kind of kid you root for until he hangs his cleats up."
As a team captain, Lew embodied Coach Carmean's "1-0" mindset: focusing on the present and controlling what he could control. His preparation, toughness, and ability to respond to adversity set an example for his teammates. Through his leadership and relationships, he helped his fellow Mustangs believe in themselves and in the program’s potential.
"Connor helped make success possible. His leadership helped make it an expectation,” Coach Carmean said proudly.
Lew carried that standard to Auburn University, where he started at center as a true freshman in the Southeastern Conference and went on to become a three-year starter. He earned First-Team Freshman All-SEC and Pro Football Focus Freshman All-American honors, later receiving All-SEC recognition and becoming a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top center.
After graduating with a degree in aviation management, Lew reached another milestone when the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 128th overall pick.
From Kennesaw Mountain to Auburn and now to the NFL, Lew has continued to represent the program that helped shape his career. Already a member of the school's Athletic Hall of Fame, his jersey retirement underscores his on-field success and the character, discipline, and leadership that made him a lasting example for Mustang student-athletes.
"What I am most grateful for about my time here are the relationships," Connor said, deflecting the focus of attention. "I have high school teammates here tonight, and they have been with me since the beginning. To be able to develop those types of friendships and still talk to those guys all these years later, that's what makes me most proud."
The Lew legacy continues at Kennesaw Mountain through Connor's younger brother, Carson. Now a senior, the younger Lew is following in his brother's footsteps by leaving his own lasting impression on the school and football program. Carson and his teammates were recently honored as the Fox 5 Team of the Week.
"That's really special," Connor said about his brother's success. "Carson was in middle school when I was playing, and to see that legacy being carried on through him and his friends is very cool to see."
With the retirement of jersey number 75, Connor Lew becomes the first player in Kennesaw Mountain football history to receive the honor. From now on, the number will be permanently displayed on the fieldhouse to remind everyone of the player who helped change the course of Mustang football and inspired others to do the same. Lew's journey from Kennesaw Mountain to the NFL exemplifies how Cobb student-athletes are Built for Beyond.
