LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Kentucky wide receiver Dicky Lyons Jr. signed a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday.

Lyons played for the Wildcats in 2004 and 2006-08 and is one of the most prolific receivers who ever wore the blue and white. He ranks fifth in school history in pass receptions (141), fourth in receiving yardage (1,752 yards) and third in touchdown catches (18).

Lyons college career came to a premature end after sustaining a knee injury midway through his senior season. Although he played in only six games in 2008, he was still the team’s leading receiver for the season, making 33 catches.

The sure-handed Wildcat snagged 56 balls as a junior, good for 655 yards and seven TDs. His best game as a Wildcat came that season, as he had eight catches for a career-high 124 yards and three touchdowns against Florida. As a sophomore in 2006, he caught 50 passes for 822 yards (16.4-yard average) and nine touchdowns.

Lyons became the first player to catch two TD passes in three consecutive games when he did so in 2006. He is the son of Dicky Lyons, Sr., whose jersey is retired as one of the greatest players in Kentucky history. Lyons Sr. and Jr. are believed to be the only father-son combination in NCAA history that has each caught a touchdown pass of 80 or more yards.

Lyons also returned kicks for the Wildcats, averaging 23.7 yards per kickoff return and 10.1 yards per punt return.

Off the field, Lyons completed his degree in community communications and leadership development and was a two-year member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Following his knee injury last October, Lyons has worked hard to regain his speed. Internet reports state that he ran a sub-4.5 second 40-yard dash recently, prompting the Falcons to sign him.

Lyons is now the ninth player from the 2008 squad that has signed a National Football League contract. A total of 17 Wildcats have signed NFL deals over the last two years.