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United States Marty Lyons has transitioned from a dominant NFL defensive lineman and Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient to a dedicated humanitarian, motivational speaker, and former radio analyst.
Marty Lyons has maintained a 45-year relationship with the New York Jets, transitioning to an official Jets ambassador role focusing on engaging fans at events and assisting with business partnerships and sponsors. He also served as a radio analyst for the team for 22 seasons.
Marty Lyons joined The LandTek Group in 2000 as the Director of Sales & Marketing and was later appointed Senior Vice President of Operations in 2007. This partnership involves his leadership in sales, marketing, and operations within the company.
Martin Anthony Lyons was born on January 15, 1957, in Takoma Park, Maryland. He grew up in Pinellas Park, Florida, and attended St. Petersburg Catholic High School. Lyons continued his athletic and academic career at the University of Alabama, where he played defensive tackle and defensive end for the Crimson Tide from 1975 to 1978 under coach Bear Bryant. During his college career, Lyons recorded 202 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. He earned consensus All-American honors in 1978 and was instrumental in leading Alabama to a National Championship the same year, notably contributing to “The Goal Line Stand” in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. Alabama maintained a 31-5 record during his time as a player.
Lyons was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round (14th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft. He spent his entire professional career with the Jets, playing for 11 seasons. He became a key member of the “New York Sack Exchange,” a formidable defensive line alongside Mark Gastineau, Abdul Salaam, and Joe Klecko. This group combined for 66 sacks in 1981, helping the Jets secure their first playoff appearance since 1969. Lyons played in 147 NFL games, starting 135, and accumulated 43.0 sacks. He was recognized for his community efforts with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1984. Following his playing career, Lyons transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a radio analyst for the New York Jets for 22 seasons from 2002 to 2023.
Beyond his football achievements, Lyons is recognized for his extensive philanthropic work. Inspired by personal experiences, he established the Marty Lyons Foundation in 1982, an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of terminally ill children. For his commitment to community service, he received the Heisman Humanitarian Award in 2011. Lyons holds leadership positions, including Director of Sales & Marketing and Senior Vice President of Operations at The LandTek Group since 2000 and 2007, respectively. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, among other halls of fame across multiple states, acknowledging his impact both on and off the field.
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