Todd Lyght

Todd William Lyght (born February 9, 1969) is a former professional American football player and former defensive backs coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

He had more playing time in 1987 than any other freshman, making 29 tackles, causing one fumble, breaking up two passes and making one interception.

As a result, the 1988 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was named the consensus national champion.

Lyght played collegiate football for the University of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time consensus All-American (1989 and 1990).

He was a three-year starter at cornerback and was voted as a team captain his senior season.

Lyght was named a starter for his sophomore season, and led team in tackles in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl win over West Virginia.

That victory capped an undefeated season for Notre Dame, leading to a #1 ranking in both the AP and coach's polls.

As a junior in 1989, he intercepted eight passes (two shy of school record) and registered 47 total tackles (27 solo).

He ranked eighth in final NCAA standings in 1989 for interceptions and was a finalist for 1989 Jim Thorpe Award.

Lyght finished his college career with 161 tackles; caused one fumble; broke up 20.5 passes; had 11 interceptions for 55 return yards and one touchdown.

Lyght played in the NFL for 12 seasons from 1991 to 2002, finishing with 37 interceptions and 4 touchdowns.

He also played in 1991 Hula Bowl.

Lyght was considered to be among the top players available in the 1991 NFL Draft.

He measured 6-foot and 185-pounds and ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash in pre-draft workouts, and was considered by some to be the best athlete available.

Rams defensive coordinator Jeff Fisher had Lyght rated as the top defensive player in the draft.

Lyght was a first-round pick, fifth overall, of the Los Angeles Rams in the 1991 NFL Draft.

He was the second cornerback drafted, following third overall pick Bruce Pickens.

On August 16, 1991, after a training camp holdout, Lyght signed a five-year $5.6 million deal that made him the second-highest paid player on the Rams.

As a rookie in 1991, Lyght started the last eight games of the season at left cornerback after battling several early-season injuries.

In 1992, he missed four games after dislocating his shoulder versus Miami On September 20.

He was named the NFC Defensive Player of Week after posting nine tackles and two interceptions against the New England Patriots on September 13.

In 1993, Lyght tied for team lead with two interceptions but suffered a knee injury in pregame drills on November 21 and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.

In 1994, he made most of first injury-free season; was fourth on team with 84 tackles (72 solo) and led team with 14 passes defensed.

He scored the Rams first touchdown of season with 74-yard fumble return against the Arizona Cardinals on September 4.

In 1995 the Rams moved to St. Louis, where he started 16 games at left cornerback and finished second on the team with a then-career-high of four interceptions.

This was stated during a Power's Catholic High School pep-rally in 1996.

On April 14, 1996, Lyght signed a new five-year $10.5 million contract with $4 million guaranteed in bonus and salary.

That season Lyght established career-highs in tackles (105), interceptions (5) and pass breakups (19) and added 10 special teams tackles.

In 1997, he started all 16 games at cornerback and participated on special teams; he finished third on team in tackles with 107 and second in passes defensed with 23, along with four interceptions, one sack, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The next season, 1998, he again started all 16 games at left corner and played on special teams finishing fifth on team in tackles with 87, first in pass defensed with 20, along with three interceptions, 1½ sacks, and three forced fumbles.

His best year as a pro came during the 1999 season with the Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams, with whom he intercepted six passes for 112 yards and one touchdown and was named to the 1999 All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams.

Lyght was born in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, which then part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

He attended Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Michigan where he lettered twice as a wide receiver and cornerback.

As a senior, he served as a team captain and caught 38 passes for 877 yards with nine touchdowns, and also intercepted 19 passes.

Lyght also lettered three times in track and field.

His high school coach, Todd Tucker, claimed that Lyght was cut from freshman football.

In 1999 Lyght earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was a first-team All-Pro as well.

He recorded 65 tackles and had 6 interceptions, 2½ sacks, 15 passes defensed and one forced fumble.

He scored his fourth career touchdown on a 57-yard interception return versus the Carolina Panthers on November 14, 1999.

He also recorded 22 tackles, had one interception and deflected 5 passes in the playoffs as the Rams went on to win Super Bowl XXXIV.