Former Lions defensive standouts Teuhema, Lyons sign NFL free agent deals

HAMMOND, La. – Former Southeastern Louisiana football standouts Sione Teuhema and Max Lyons will look to continue their playing careers in the National Football League, as both signed undrafted free agent deals this week.

Teuhema, a linebacker from Keller, Texas, was invited to camp by the New York Jets. Lyons, a defensive back/punt returner from Los Angeles, is an undrafted free agent signee of the Seattle Seahawks.

For each of the past seven seasons, the Lions have had at least one player receive an NFL camp invite. Among those include a pair of NFL draft picks in cornerbacks Robert Alford (2013, Atlanta Falcons, 2nd Round) and Harlan Miller (2016, Arizona Cardinals, 6th Round).

After earning All-Southland Conference second team honors in just eight games as a junior, Teuhema took his game to a new level as a senior. Finishing 11th in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award bestowed to FCS’ best defensive player, the 6-4, 260 pass rusher matched a single-season school record with 19.0 tackles for loss to go with nine sacks and 80 tackles.

Teuhema was an All-America selection by STATS, Phil Steele and Hero Sports following his senior season. He also earned first team All-Southland Conference honors in his second season with the Lions.

Lyons also took a huge step forward as a senior after earning honorable mention all-conference accolades as a junior. The first team All-Southland Conference performer was the team’s leading tackler with 100 tackles to go with three interceptions, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Lyons also proved adept at his new role for 2017 as a punt returner, adding second team All-Southland notice at that position. On the first punt return of his Southeastern career, the shifty Lyons scored a 60-yard touchdown in the season opener at UL Lafayette on the way to being named Southland Special Teams Player of the Week.