Lyons was a two-sport standout at Parma High, lettering twice in both football and basketball.  He was a key member of the Redmen LEL Championship football teams of 1958 and 1959. These teams won nineteen consecutive games and enjoyed two undefeated seasons. Lyons was selected as both team MVP and Lake Erie League MVP in 1959. He was also recognized by the local media, being selected for both the Cleveland Press All-Scholastic team and the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s  “Dream Team.”  He earned honorable mention All-Ohio honors and was selected to play in the North-South All-Star football game.

Lyons played football at The Ohio State University and was a member of the 1961 NCAA National Championship Buckeye team.