“BOMBSHELL REVEALED: What Ryder Lyons Told Pat McAfee About Serving a Mission”
When Ryder Lyons appeared live on The Pat McAfee Show, cameras captured more than just the moment he became BYU’s first five-star quarterback in years—the conversation that followed revealed the young quarterback’s unapologetic heart, unwavering faith, and philosophical clarity far beyond his years.
🕊️ A Sacred Calling
After celebrating his commitment to BYU, McAfee gently shifted gears: “Ryder, you’re not enrolling next year—you’re serving an LDS mission. That’s massive.” Lyons responded with quiet confidence:
> “Next year will not be my first year at BYU… I will be serving an LDS mission.”
The gravity of his words wasn’t lost on McAfee—an NFL veteran unfamiliar with religious missions. He referenced his friend and former teammate Austin Collie, saying, “The mission is a calling from God… a huge honor.” Lyons nodded in affirmation.
> “That is it,” he said simply.
🌱 Growth Beyond the Game
McAfee, amazed by Lyons’s maturity and composure, quipped: “You’re like a 45‑year‑old in that body.” Lyons shared how managing NIL offers since eighth grade had felt overwhelming—but he also explained how his mother’s guidance and his own goals kept him grounded.
> “Money’s not the biggest part… The biggest part is making it to the NFL. That’s where the serious money is.”
His poise left McAfee impressed: “He gets his first offer in eighth grade… feels like he’s got his head on straight.”
🔄 A Mission of Service—and a Return with Purpose
Lyons revealed he’d submit his mission paperwork in August, with his assignment location still unknown. He emphasized that this year away from football wouldn’t be wasted; instead, he’ll explore service, leadership, and character—values that BYU holds dear. McAfee praised the choice, noting how time away can mold “an even better football player… or a better human.”
🏟️ A Program Built on Faith
The mission talk reinforced what made Lyons choose BYU. He recalled being offered a scholarship as early as eighth grade—and how BYU’s commitment to his values, spiritual beliefs, and family legacy drew him in.
> “They were the first ones to offer me… they made me feel very needed.”
Highly ranked programs like Oregon and USC couldn’t match that sense of belonging.
🎙️ Why It Resonated
This wasn’t a typical recruiting moment—it was a real-life snapshot of a young man balancing ambition, faith, and identity under the national spotlight. McAfee’s wide-eyed, respectful reaction captured the sentiment brewing across social media: posts celebrating Lyons’ maturity went viral, with fans clapping back that BYU is staking a new, value-driven path forward .
🧩 Final Takeaway
Ryder Lyons didn’t just announce where he was going—he explained why, weaving together themes of faith, family, service, and long-term vision in a world chasing NIL dollars and transfer portal headlines. In that exchange with McAfee, he transformed from a five-star athlete to a five-star human being, reminding everyone that the journey—and purpose—can matter more than the destination.
If this conversation is any indication, Lyons’ mission won’t just pause his football career—it’ll define it.
