Tyrone Keys (2002) - Hall of Fame

Tyrone Keys

Induction:
2002
Class:
1980

Tyrone Keys played four seasons on the gridiron with the Bulldogs from 1977-1980, starring at defensive end.

Keys was a three-time First Team All-SEC Selection throughout his final three seasons in the Maroon and White. He was always in the backfield, as he collected 15.0 TFLs his junior season and 10.0 sacks his senior season. Both totals to this day rank within the top 10 of single season records in Mississippi State history.

His career total of 26.0 sacks set a new program record for most in a career and stood until 1983. His 32.0 career TFLs still ranks top 10 within the program today. He also recovered six fumbles throughout his career, which is tied the most of any player in program history. He was selected to play in the 1981 Senior Bowl.

Keys was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He went on to play six years in the NFL and became the fifth Bulldog to win a Super Bowl in 1986 when the Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX. Keys also played with the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After his playing career, Keys founded All Sports Community Service, a Tampa-based organization that provided assistance to high-risk youth.