A familiar voice in the Jets radio booth won’t be there this season.
Marty Lyons is stepping away from the microphone after 22 years as the Jets’ radio analyst and handing the headphones over to former Jets tight end Anthony Becht, the team announced Thursday.
Lyons will remain connected with the organization in an ambassador role in which he’ll assist the organization with business partnerships and make appearances on the Jets’ digital and broadcast programming.
The former defensive lineman started in the radio booth in 2002 alongside play-by-play man Bob Wischusen, and the two remained partners for over two decades.
“I want to thank all the guys in the radio booth for a great 22 years. From our producer, Joe Loughran, to our crew on the field, Dave Shapiro, Richie Providence and my personal spotter Mike Altieri – GREAT job. I’d also like thank Bob Wischusen for being THE BEST partner in the broadcast booth,” Lyons said in a statement. “I couldn’t have ever asked for a better partner. Bobby, you’re the best. Thank you to the New York Jets fans for being supportive and loyal all these years. Not just to me, but also to the children from the Marty Lyons Foundation. Lastly, I want to thank the New York Jets organization.
“Especially, Woody and Chris Johnson. It will be a honor for me to serve the organization in this new role. To my friend Anthony Becht, I wish you the best of luck. You’re in good hands. Have a great season.”
The 67-year-old rose to fame during his playing days as a member of the legendary New York Sack Exchange Jets squads from 1979-89 as a defensive lineman.
Lyons was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2013.
Becht played the first five seasons of his NFL career, which spanned from 2000-11, with the Jets, and has experience doing TV analysis for college and pro football.
He has been a part of the Jets’ preseason broadcasts on CBS 2.
Bech has also served as the head coach of the UFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks the past two seasons.
The former tight end will remain as their head coach.
“I am forever grateful to the New York Jets organization for again giving me an opportunity of a lifetime,” Becht said in a statement. “Since the day I was drafted, this team has been an extraordinary part of my life, and I hope to convey gratefulness in the work I do in this new role. Having a chance to work with a first-class organization and a top-notch radio crew led by long-time radio professional Bob Wischusen is the perfect environment for me to hit the ground running and uphold the standard set by Marty Lyons these past 22 years.”
Becht’s first game in the booth will be Aug. 24 against the Giants, according to the release.
This weekend’s preseason game against the Commanders will feature former Jets receiver Quincy Enunwa as the analyst.
The change inside the booth won’t be the only switch this season for the Jets’ radio broadcast.
This year will mark the start of a new deal that will see Jets games aired on Q104.3-FM after previously airing on ESPN New York.
