NYC Radio: Marty Lyons Exits NFL Jets Radio Booth

Marty Lyons

Marty Lyons is leaving the NFL Jets’ radio booth after 22 seasons as an analyst and will be replaced by former Jets tight end Anthony Becht, the team announced on Thursday.

Newsday reports Becht will make his debut alongside play-by-play man Bob Wischusen for the Aug. 24 preseason game against the Giants.

Lyons’ 45-year association with the organization will continue, though. He will be an “ambassador” for the team, serving in a variety of roles that include engaging with fans and business partners as well as making media appearances on the team’s digital and broadcast programming.

Lyons, 67, played for the Jets from 1979-89 as a defensive lineman and is a member of the team’s Ring of Honor. He and Wischusen began together as the radio team for the 2002 season. The Jets this season will move from their longtime radio home on ESPN New York to Q104.3-FM.

“[I’m] definitely going to miss the booth, because there's been a 22-year relationship up there with Bob and [producer] Joe [Loughran] and all the guys,” Lyons told Newsday. “But I'm excited about this new opportunity.”“I think the timing is right, not just for the organization, but also for myself,” Lyons said.

 “You know, 22 years up in the booth, 45 years being with the organization, and I'm very thankful to Hymie and [communications vice president] Eric [Gelfand] and [owner] Woody [Johnson] for giving me this opportunity.”

Becht, who turned 47 on Thursday, played in the NFL from 2000-2011, the first five of those seasons with the Jets, for whom he scored 17 touchdowns. The Jets drafted him 27th overall in 2000.