UA Football Legend Fulfills Promise, Earns Degree

UA Football Legend Fulfills Promise, Earns Degree

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama football legend Marty Lyons finally made good on a 37-year-old promise Saturday morning when he walked across the stage at Coleman Coliseum and was recognized as a UA graduate.

“The four years of college are without a doubt the most influential, greatest years of your life,” the 59-year-old said. “It just happened to take me 41. I got to really enjoy it like 10 times over.”

When the retired New York Jets defensive tackle left UA in 1979 to pursue a childhood dream of playing in the NFL, Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant made him promise that he would complete his degree. But more than that, Bryant told him something that would change his life — but it would take a few years before that happened.

“I will never forget Coach Bryant looking at me and saying, ‘Marty, you will be very fortunate that you’ll play a game you love, and you’ll build financial security for you and your family, but remember this — a winner in the game of life is a person who gives of himself so others can grow,’” Lyons said. “Those were powerful words in 1979. They were so powerful they didn’t have any meaning in my life at that moment.”

It took a few years before Bryant’s words sank in and Lyons’ perspective on life changed. In 1982, within a week’s time, Lyons’ first son was born, he lost his father and he watched a young boy that he was a “Big Brother” to die from leukemia.

“I struggled to find an answer,” he said. “Sometimes in death you can either grow closer to God or further apart. … Unfortunately, death had turned me into something that I really wasn’t and out of nowhere that one line that Coach Bryant told me popped into my head. This is what Coach Bryant meant. Because God had given me a platform of playing in the NFL, I had an opportunity to do something for others.”

Marty Lyons

 Shortly after, the Marty Lyons Foundation was established. For the past 34 years, the foundation has worked to grant the wishes of terminally ill children. While started with nothing but a vision, the foundation now operates in 10 states, has raised more than $35 million and helped more than 7,200 children.

“This was something that Coach Bryant prepared me to do with all of his life’s lessons,” Lyons said. “We need to make a difference in other people’s lives, make a better tomorrow for those that follow.”

Despite his professional and personal achievements, Lyons knew he still had one more thing he needed to accomplish — he needed to earn his degree.

Over the years, Lyons tried to finish his schooling, but something always came up that would hinder his success — until the right people came along and helped develop a game plan that would fit his busy schedule. After 2 1/2 years and 24 credits, Lyons finally completed his bachelor’s degree in sports marketing.

“We’re so proud of his professional and philanthropic achievements, and the dedication of the HES faculty that helped him achieve his educational success,” said Dr. Milla Boschung, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences. “I look forward to shaking his hand on Saturday.”

“It’s been an incredible journey and one I definitely appreciate,” Lyons said. “I don’t know if I would have had the same feeling 37 years ago about getting this degree. But now, it’s overwhelming to think that I was able to accomplish it. Now, the promise is fulfilled.”

Contact

Kim Eaton, UA media relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu