Lewis Tom Cine Bio
Lewis Tom Cine is a Haitian-American professional football safety who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on October 5, 1999, Cine immigrated to the United States at age four and eventually settled in Everett, Massachusetts. He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2019 to 2021 before entering the 2022 NFL Draft, where the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round with the 32nd overall pick. Cine has also been a member of the Buffalo Bills and won a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Early Life and Background
Cine was born on October 5, 1999, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and immigrated to the United States at age four. His family initially settled in Florida before moving to Everett, Massachusetts, where Cine attended Everett High School. As a junior at Everett High School, Cine earned the Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year honor from USA Today after recording 65 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick during a season in which Everett won its second consecutive MIAA state championship.
Following the retirement of Everett’s head coach at the end of that season, Cine relocated to Cedar Hill, Texas, to live with an uncle. He enrolled at Trinity Christian School for his senior year of high school, where he was coached by Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. Cine’s performance at the high school level attracted significant collegiate interest, and he ultimately committed to play college football for the Georgia Bulldogs over scholarship offers from Texas, Michigan, Penn State, and Florida.
Path to the NFL
Upon arriving at the University of Georgia, Cine immediately contributed as a true freshman. He played in all 14 of Georgia’s games during his freshman season in 2019 and earned starting spots in the final two games. His development continued throughout his collegiate career, and he was named a starting safety for the Bulldogs going into his sophomore season in 2020. That season, Cine recorded 49 tackles and broke up 12 passes over ten starts, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in the secondary.
However, Cine’s sophomore campaign was also marked by a disciplinary issue when he was ejected from Georgia’s game against Florida after drawing a targeting penalty. Despite this setback, his overall performance and potential were evident enough that he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft on January 15, 2022, following his junior season. His collegiate career included an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where he showcased the skills that would make him a first-round draft pick.
Lewis Tom Cine Career
Minnesota Vikings (2022–2023)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Cine in the first round with the 32nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the final selection of the opening round. The Vikings invested a premium draft pick in Cine, expecting him to develop into a foundational piece of their defensive secondary. However, his rookie season was tragically cut short. During Week 4 of the 2022 season against the New Orleans Saints, Cine suffered a compound fracture injury to his lower left leg during a punt coverage play. The injury was severe enough to require two surgeries and effectively ended his rookie campaign before it truly began.
Cine spent the remainder of the 2022 season and the entirety of the 2023 season on the Vikings roster, working to recover from his injury and earn playing time in the defensive backfield. Unfortunately, his tenure in Minnesota came to an end when the Vikings released him on August 27, 2024, making him a free agent.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
Following his release from Minnesota, Cine did not remain unemployed for long. On August 29, 2024, he was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a franchise known for its strong defensive culture. Cine spent the remainder of the 2024 season with the Bills organization, using his time on the practice squad to refine his skills and stay ready for an opportunity at the active roster level.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024–Present)
On January 8, 2025, Cine signed with the Philadelphia Eagles off the Bills practice squad, marking a fresh start with a new team. The move proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Cine became a member of the Eagles roster during their championship run and was on the team when Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX, earning Cine his first Super Bowl championship ring. However, his time with the Eagles took an unexpected turn when he was waived/injured on August 24, 2025.
DC Defenders (2026)
On January 14, 2026, Cine was selected by the DC Defenders of the United Football League, signaling his transition to the spring football league as he continued his professional football career outside the NFL system.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Cine has demonstrated strong instincts as a deep safety, excelling in coverage responsibilities and demonstrating the ability to read quarterbacks’ intentions. His time at Georgia, where he played under the tutelage of a top-tier college program and earned First-team All-SEC honors in 2021, helped develop his football IQ and physicality. His performance in the 2021 season, including his role in Georgia’s national championship run, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cine’s career has been defined by significant highs and challenging lows. His selection as the CFP National Championship Game Defensive MVP following the 2021 season highlighted his elite abilities at the collegiate level. However, the compound leg fracture he suffered during his rookie NFL season represented a major setback. His subsequent Super Bowl victory with the Eagles provided a triumphant moment that validated his resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level of professional football.
Lewis Tom Cine Career Wins
Throughout his football career, Cine has accumulated notable achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His collegiate career culminated in a national championship, while his professional career includes a Super Bowl championship.
College Football Highlights
At the University of Georgia, Cine played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ 2021 national championship season. His performance throughout that campaign and particularly in the National Championship Game earned him the Defensive MVP honor for the championship contest. Additionally, his consistent play during the 2021 season earned him First-team All-Southeastern Conference recognition, placing him among the elite defensive backs in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Professional Highlights
Cine’s professional career reached its pinnacle when he won Super Bowl LIX as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles’ decisive 40–22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs marked the culmination of his journey from a highly-touted draft pick to a Super Bowl champion.
Lewis Tom Cine Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While detailed information about Cine’s parents is not publicly available, it is known that he moved to the United States at age four and that his family has Haitian heritage. His decision to wear jersey number 16 at the University of Georgia was a tribute to his mother, who was 16 years old when he was born. This personal detail highlights the significance of family in his life and the values instilled in him throughout his upbringing.
Personal Life
Cine is the father of a daughter named Bella, who was born in 2017. Despite the demands of a professional football career, Cine has maintained an active presence in his daughter’s life. After experiencing multiple team transitions in the NFL, Cine has resided in Everett, Massachusetts, where he originally settled with his family after immigrating from Haiti. His journey from a young immigrant to a professional athlete and father exemplifies his resilience and commitment to building a successful life both on and off the football field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Cine on the Philadelphia Eagles roster following his mid-season signing in January 2025. His transition from the Buffalo Bills practice squad to the Eagles’ active roster represented a new chapter in his professional journey. Cine was with the Eagles during their championship run that concluded with victory in Super Bowl LIX, where the team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22. This Super Bowl win provided Cine with his first championship ring and validated his persistence through injury and career adversity.
Throughout the season, Cine worked to carve out a role within the Eagles’ defensive scheme. His ability to contribute on special teams and provide depth in the secondary was valuable to the team during their playoff push. The Eagles’ organizational culture and strong defensive infrastructure offered Cine an environment in which he could continue developing as a professional safety.
However, the 2025 season ended on a difficult note when Cine was placed on the waiver/injured list on August 24, 2025. This development marked another transition in his career trajectory, ultimately leading to his selection by the DC Defenders in the United Football League in January 2026. Cine’s journey demonstrates the challenges professional athletes face in maintaining roster spots in highly competitive leagues while also highlighting his determination to continue pursuing opportunities at the professional level.