Over at UK Athletics, they're going through a series entitled "Where are they now?" in which they're catching up with several former Cats to see where their lives have taken them since leaving Lexington. First in the series is former Kentucky wide receiver and fan favorite Dicky Lyons, Jr.
After an ultimately unsuccessful endeavor into playing professionally, Lyons moved back to his home state of Louisiana and, last September, took a job in Grand Isle with one of the companies handling the cleanup of the BP oil spill. It's not football, but Lyons says that his experience as a workhorse and teammate at UK has helped him through the sometimes long and difficult days at the job, where he has advanced from an accounts payable position to become the housing director of the entire island operation. He says his playing days are over, but he would like to take a shot at coaching one day and after trying pro football, he appreciates his time at Kentucky even more...
The hundred-hour weeks have made staying in football shape nearly impossible. Even though Lyons says it wouldn't be difficult to get back to his playing weight, he doesn't see himself giving his professional career another try. Football, though, is something he'll never shake completely.
"Working 14 hours a day, there's not a lot of time to work out, but that little 10-pound beer gut that I've got now wouldn't be too hard to get rid of," Lyons said. "With football, I'd love to pursue coaching. Playing, I think I've put that behind me and I'm fine with that. I'd really like to pursue coaching if the opportunity presents itself."
The experience Lyons had at UK has made turning the page on his playing days a lot easier.
"It was the best time of my life, especially after you go to the pros and you see how cutthroat it is," Lyons said. "In college, especially with how our group of guys came together, it was the best time of my life. You realize that in the real world, you don't get to meet friends like that. You have so many friends that you can always rely on and trust, guys that will have your back in anything you do. That experience at Kentucky is one I wouldn't give up for anything."
Obviously we wish the best to Dicky in whatever he chooses to do, and he provided a lot of highlights during his years in the Blue and White. But, there's one highlight that always stands out and makes you want to watch it over and over. It comes from the glorious upset of LSU, and I think you know which one it is:
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
Kentucky came up short against Ole Miss on Saturday, but the Big Blue Nation had the crowd energy turned up to 11. After the Kroger Field atmosphere...
The Kentucky offense is struggling right now. The Wildcats have one of the worst passing operations in college football again and there is a brewing...
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard