FINS FACT
Although he was born in nearby Homestead, Fla., Lydon spent his formative years in Minnesota. One of the state’s top shot putters, he finished third at the state meet with a throw of 57-6 in his first year of track competition, before finishing fifth in 2004. Lydon was also a top academic performer off the athletic fields, as he was an Honor Roll member his final two years in high school and was a youth leader at his church. He would continue the same academic success at the University of Nebraska, finishing as a four-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection.
FINS FACT
Although he was born in nearby Homestead, Fla., Lydon spent his formative years in Minnesota. One of the state’s top shot putters, he finished third at the state meet with a throw of 57-6 in his first year of track competition, before finishing fifth in 2004. Lydon was also a top academic performer off the athletic fields, as he was an Honor Roll member his final two years in high school and was a youth leader at his church. He would continue the same academic success at the University of Nebraska, finishing as a four-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS
Signed by the Dolphins off the Detroit practice squad on October 20, 2009 . . . Signed to the Lions practice squad on September 7, 2009 . . . Waived by the Lions on September 5, 2009 . . . Originally a seventh-round draft choice (228th overall) of the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft.
PRO
2010 - Played in nine games with four starts . . . Was inactive for six games and dressed but did not play in one game . . . Made first career start at tight end as a third offensive tackle when the Dolphins opened with one running back vs. Cleveland (12/5) . . . Started consecutive games at right tackle at N.Y. Jets (12/12), vs. Buffalo (12/19) and vs. Detroit (12/26) in place of the injured Vernon Carey.
2009 - Saw action in one game and was inactive for six other contests . . . Made NFL debut vs. Tampa Bay (11/15) . . . Suffered ankle injury in practice on December 9 and placed on Injured Reserve the following day.
COLLEGE
Four year letterman at Nebraska (2005-08) . . . Played in 40 games with 23 starts during his collegiate career for the Huskers . . . Was a large part of Nebraska’s success despite injuries limiting him to eight starts . . . Despite missing four games was an honorable-mention All-Big 12 choice by the Associated Press as a senior . . . First-team academic All-Big 12 pick in 2007 . . . Four time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Role . . . Majored in economics.
PERSONAL
Attended Hutchinson (Minn.) High School where he was a three year starter . . .Was a first-team all-state selection by the Associated Press . . . Named the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003 . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle prospect by ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Lemming . . . Participant in the U.S. Army All-American Game . . . Donated money to help purchase toys and meals for the holidays . . . Participated in the Touchdown For Life Blood Drive . . . Served meals at the Cooperative Feeding Program . . . Full name is Lydon Murtha, born November 13, 1985 in Homestead, Fla.
