Defensive tackle; broadcaster · Jets 1979–1989 (played)
From the Sack Exchange to granting wishes
Lyons helped make the Sack Exchange, then kept finding ways to serve people beyond the line of scrimmage. He founded the Marty Lyons Foundation in 1982 to grant wishes to children with serious illnesses and received the NFL’s community-service honor in 1984. Jets fans later knew his voice from the radio booth, where he spent 22 seasons before moving into an ambassador role in 2024.
The person behind the name
He connected three kinds of service: playing for teammates, telling the team’s story on radio and helping children through his foundation.
Since 1990, the Jets have given the Marty Lyons Award to a player for his community work.
Jets years: 1979–1989 (played). The honors above distinguish team recognition from Canton’s whole-career recognition.
Nobody builds a team alone
The story, on the record
These pages support the biography, Jets years and honors. Checked . Photograph credits appear with the image.
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