There won’t be any familiar voices coming out of the Jets radio booth this season.
After 22 years as the Jets’ radio analyst, Marty Lyons, is stepping down from the mic and handing over the headphones to former Jets tight end Anthony Becht, the team announced Thursday.
The Lions will remain in contact with the organization, supporting the organization as a business partnership and serving as ambassadors appearing on Jets’ digital and broadcast programming.
The former defensive lineman got his start in the radio booth alongside play-by-play announcer Bob Wishen in 2002, and the two have remained partners for more than two decades.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the radio booth for 22 years. From my producer Joe Loughran, to our team at the stadium, Dave Shapiro, Richie Providence, and my personal spotter Mike Altieri – they’ve done a great job. I also want to thank Bob Wischusen for being the best partner in the broadcast booth,” Lyons said in a statement. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner. Bobby, you’re the best. Thank you to the New York Jets fans for your support and loyalty over the years. Thank you to the kids at the Marty Lyons Foundation, as well as myself. Finally, I want to thank the New York Jets organization.
“Especially Woody and Chris Johnson. It is an honor for me to serve the organization in this new role. To my friend Anthony Becht, I wish you the best of luck. You are in good hands. Have a great season.”
The 67-year-old began his career as a defensive lineman for the New York Sock Exchange Jets from 1979 to 1989, gaining fame.
Ryan was inducted into the Jets Hall of Fame in 2013.
Becht played five seasons in the NFL from 2000 to 2011, including with the Jets, and has experience as a TV analyst for college and professional football teams.
He appeared on the Jets’ preseason broadcast on CBS 2.
Betsey also served as head coach of the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks for the past two seasons.
The former tight end will remain as the team’s head coach.
“I will be forever grateful to the New York Jets organization for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime again,” Becht said in a statement. “This team has been a special part of my life since the day I was drafted, and I want to show my appreciation through what I do in this new role. Having the opportunity to work with a first-class organization and a top-notch radio production team led by longtime radio veteran Bob Wischusen is the perfect environment for me to step into and uphold the standard that Marty Lyons has set for the past 22 years.”
According to a press release, Becht is scheduled to make his first appearance in the booth on Aug. 24 against the Giants.
Former Jets receiver Quincy Enuwa will be an analyst for this weekend’s preseason game against the Commanders.
The changes inside the booth aren’t the only changes to Jets radio broadcasts this season.
This year marks the start of a new deal that will see Jets games televised on Q104.3-FM after they air on ESPN New York.
