Biography
Marty Lyons, born on January 15, 1957, in Long Beach, New York, is a former professional American football player who played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft, following an impressive college career at the University of Alabama, where he was a standout player and a member of the 1978 national championship team.
Over his ten-year career with the Jets, which spanned from 1979 to 1989, Lyons became known for his tenacity on the defensive line. He was a pivotal member of the Jets' "New York Sack Exchange," a nickname given to the team's formidable defensive unit that was known for its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Lyons recorded a total of 57 sacks during his NFL tenure and earned a reputation as one of the league's top defensive tackles.
After retiring from professional football, Marty Lyons shifted his focus to broadcasting and philanthropy. He became a sports commentator and hosted various radio programs while also becoming involved in charitable work, particularly through the Marty Lyons Foundation, which supports children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. His legacy in the NFL is characterized by both his on-field achievements and his commitment to giving back to the community.