Ep 298: Putting the Brakes on Bullying with Samantha Sosnik and guest Marty Lyons on hmTv

Ep. 298: “Putting the Brakes on Bullying” on hmTv
Host: Samantha Sosnik
Guest: Marty Lyons, NFL Legend & Founder, The Marty Lyons Foundation

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Putting the Brakes on Bullying on hmTv, Samantha Sosnik sits down with Marty Lyons — former New York Jet, NFL Man of the Year, and founder of the Marty Lyons Foundation, which has granted life-changing wishes for over 8,700 terminally ill children across the country.

Lyons shares his remarkable journey from gridiron glory to a lifetime of service, revealing how personal tragedy led him to dedicate his life to compassion and community. Together, Samantha and Marty explore how kindness, empathy, and leadership can counteract the culture of bullying that continues to affect so many young people today.

Through candid stories—from high school regrets to lessons from children battling illness—Marty reminds listeners that the smallest act of kindness can have a lifelong impact.

This episode is more than a conversation about bullying—it’s a masterclass in humanity, resilience, and the enduring power of doing good.

🎧 Putting the Brakes on Bullying — real stories, real courage, real change. Only on hmTv.

Transcript

Ep. 298: “Putting the Brakes on Bullying” on hmTv
Host: Samantha Sosnik
Guest: Marty Lyons, NFL Legend & Founder, Marty Lyons Foundation

Samantha Sosnik:
Hi, good afternoon. My name is Samantha Sosnik, and on today’s podcast, Putting the Brakes on Bullying, my special guest is the great Marty Lyons. How are you, Marty?

Marty Lyons:
I’m doing great, Samantha.

Samantha:
Thank you so much for being here. I know your schedule is packed, and I really appreciate this. I’d like to start by letting our viewers know a little bit about you. I did my homework—and full disclosure—you happen to be my husband’s favorite player of all time. We’re a Jets household, so I’ve heard your name a lot over the years!

You were selected in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft and played 12 years with the New York Jets. You were a member of the famous New York Sack Exchange, named NFL Man of the Year in 1984, and later inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2013. After retiring, you spent 22 years as a radio analyst for the Jets. That’s an incredible career!

But what I think you might be most proud of is how you’ve helped so many others through the Marty Lyons Foundation. Is that fair to say?

Marty:
That’s very fair to say. I started the foundation back in 1982 while I was still playing with the Jets. That year was life-changing—my son was born on March 4th, my father passed away four days later, and two days after that, a young boy I mentored died of leukemia. In six days, I went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.

I remembered something Coach Bear Bryant told me at Alabama: “A winner in the game of life is the person who gives of themselves so others can grow.” At the time, I didn’t quite grasp it, but after those losses, I understood.

So, I teamed up with a teammate, Kenny Shroy, and started the foundation to grant wishes for terminally ill children. Fast-forward 43 years, and we’ve helped over 8,700 families, raised more than $44 million, and operate in 14 states. Out of tragedy came something beautiful.

Samantha:
That’s amazing. You turned heartbreak into hope—and that’s what real leadership looks like.

Marty:
Thank you. What those kids have taught me is faith—faith in God, faith in life, and faith that we’re here to serve others.

Samantha:
That’s powerful. You’ve given so much hope to children who might otherwise feel invisible. And that brings us to today’s theme—bullying. When you were in school, did you witness much bullying?

Marty:
It’s always been around, but I think back then, we didn’t label it as “bullying.” Kids got isolated or teased, sometimes unintentionally. But I remember one moment that hit me hard. At my 25th high school reunion, a classmate named Mike came up and asked, “Why were you guys so mean to me in high school?”

I was stunned. I didn’t even realize he’d carried that pain for 25 years. I apologized and told him I wasn’t that same person anymore. That moment stayed with me—it taught me that even small acts can leave lasting scars.

Samantha:
Wow. That’s such an important reminder that words and actions stay with people.

Marty:
Exactly. Sometimes, all it takes is kindness. Hold a door open. Say hello. Kids who are struggling don’t need to feel invisible. We can all make a difference just by seeing them.

Samantha:
That’s beautifully said. You mentioned a young girl, Lauren, who spoke with you at schools—can you share that story?

Marty:
Sure. Lauren was 16 and battling a brain tumor. When she came back to school after treatment, she said everyone avoided her at lunch. She realized that day she had become invisible.

But when she spoke at assemblies, she broke down walls. Her courage made students realize how hurtful silence can be. Sometimes, all someone needs is to be seen.

Samantha:
Yes—and as a mother of a daughter with special needs, I understand that deeply. Everyone deserves kindness and respect.

Marty:
Exactly. Respect costs nothing, but it can mean everything.

Samantha:
It truly can. Sadly, not everyone learns that. I’ve seen bullying impact families—and even lead to tragedy. Some kids feel they have no way out.

Marty:
That’s why communication is key. Parents need to build trust so kids feel safe opening up. I always told my four kids—three sons and a daughter—“If you have a problem, tell me. Don’t let me hear it from someone else.” Home should be a place filled with love, honesty, and understanding.

Samantha:
Absolutely. You build a home on that foundation of love and discipline.

Marty:
Right. And kids need to know it’s okay to ask for help. There’s no shame in seeing a counselor or talking to someone. That’s strength, not weakness.

Samantha:
Yes. We have to normalize that message.

Marty:
Exactly. There are trained professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. We’re not alone in this.

Samantha:
That’s a message young people really need to hear. And before we wrap up, I have to say—I saw your heartfelt speech at Joe Klecko’s Hall of Fame induction. The bond between you two was inspiring.

Marty:
Thank you. Joe took me under his wing when I joined the Jets. He said, “You don’t leave the facility until I leave.” That was mentorship. That was friendship. Even now, we still talk about family, faith, and football—and he’s a brother for life.

Samantha:
That’s incredible. It really shows the power of compassion and camaraderie—on and off the field.

Marty:
Exactly. Football was a chapter in life, not the whole book. What matters most is how you treat people along the way.

Samantha:
Beautifully said. Marty, thank you so much for being here, for your wisdom, and for the light you bring to others.

Marty:
My pleasure, Samantha. Thank you for having me.

Samantha:
And thank you to all our listeners for joining us on Putting the Brakes on Bullying on hmTv. I’m Samantha Sosnik, and today’s guest was the incredible Marty Lyons. Remember—kindness costs nothing, but it changes everything. Have a great afternoon.