ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 15, 1996 TAG: 9612160111
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: NOTES
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports|
Not only has Keith Lyle made a little history with the St.Louis Rams, he's topped his dad.
Lyle is the Rams' first defensive back in 15 seasons to make at least 100 tackles in consecutive seasons. He also is tied for the NFC lead with six interceptions.
Those are two things his father, Garry Lyle, never accomplished with the Chicago Bears from 1967-74.
``That's great,'' said Garry Lyle, who had five interceptions in his best year. ``I'm very pleased, very proud. I told him he has the family record.''
It didn't take long. Keith Lyle, 24, is in his third NFL season and second as starter. Last year, the University of Virginia alumnus had 101 tackles and three interceptions.
Coach Rich Brooks listed Lyle among a handful of Rams who deserved to go to the Pro Bowl. He just wishes Lyle didn't have to make so many stops.
``I think it proves that: One, he's a durable player; and two, a very good player,'' Brooks said. ``And maybe that we need to make more tackles up front.''
Lyle hasn't missed a game in his pro career and is holding up despite weighing only 204 pounds. After making 10 tackles Dec.8 in Chicago to increase this year's total to 104, he became the first Rams defensive back since Nolan Cromwell in 1980-81 with consecutive 100-tackle seasons.
He's in good company, considering Cromwell made the Pro Bowl from 1980-83.
``I like making tackles,'' Lyle said. ``Guys on other teams say a safety shouldn't get that much, but we play eight men in the box a lot. I'm doing pretty good.''
It helps having a father who really does know best.
``It's a real kick to watch your son do what you did and be able to relate to everything he's going through in a way most people will never know,'' said Garry Lyle, 51, an administrator for Xerox Corp. in Tampa, Fla. ``He calls after every game and we talk about everything that happened.''
Like his dad, who was a halfback at George Washington before moving to free safety with the Bears, Keith Lyle is a converted offensive player. He played quarterback in high school.
Both also have elusive qualities once they get the ball. Garry Lyle led the Bears in punt returns in 1969 with 12 for 78 yards and Keith Lyle leads the NFL in interception-return yardage with 151.
``I've always played offense and defense, so I like having the ball in my hands,'' the former Cavalier said.
Keith Lyle can be a restricted free agent after this season, but he's hoping to stay with St.Louis. The Rams used up most of their salary-cap room by re-signing Isaac Bruce to a $12.1 million, four-year deal, but have said Lyle is their next priority.
``There's been some conversation, but nothing's anywhere near getting done,'' Lyle said. ``We'll just see. I don't know what the situation is, I'm just going to go out and play ball.''
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Lyleby CNB