Posted on Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
Former Michigan running back Rob Lytle dies at age 56
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Rob Lytle, who starred at fullback for the Michigan football team from 1973-1976 and is the seventh leading rusher in Michigan history, died Saturday, Gannett News Service reported. He was 56.
Lytle rushed for 3,307 yards and 26 touchdowns at Michigan and finished third in the 1976 Heisman Trophy voting. He went on to play for seven seasons for the Denver Broncos, rushing for 1,454 yards.
In 1976, Lytle rushed for more than 100 yards in eight games, including a 180-yard effort against Michigan State, 175 yards against Indiana and 165 against Ohio State as Michigan finished 10-2.
Comments
Hailmary
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
Rob could deliver punishment and he could deliver punishment, a real Michigan man and Bo really appreciated Rob's dedication.
Ken Sarnowski
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 11:42 p.m.
Rob Lytle was a Great Wolverine and a fine man. A tremendous loss.
Chuck
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 10:46 p.m.
11/20/10 equals the great number 41, for Meechigan football, for a great Michigan man.
RWBill
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 5:06 p.m.
Thank you Rob and Bo. I had just been assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany earlier in November 1976. There was a TV room on the first floor of the BOQ and I was elated that AFRTS announced they would broadcast The Game live via satellite, which was pretty rare at that time. I was the only one in the room until just before kickoff when another fella came in and in typical Buckeye arrogance announced for whom he was a fan, not that I had asked, and how Woody was going to steamroll Bo. I made it clear I was a Michigan fan. What a jerk, but what a joyful payback as series after series Michigan put more and more control on the game, and converting the 2 point conversion just crushed his bucknuts! He started cursing at Woody in the second quarter and just got up and steamed out of the room halfway through the fourth period. EPIC! Rob Lytle had such great acceleration through the line. I was happy for his success getting into the NFL.
UMguy
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
When I think of Michigan football growing up it was Ufer, Bo, Franklin, Leach, Lytle, Clayton, Carter, Huckleby. Bob Ufer immortalized each of these in his broadcasts in a way that will never be repeated.
MIke48162
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 9:18 a.m.
Consensus All-American and named Chicago Tribune's Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player in 1976. He gained 1,469 yards as a senior to set a Michigan record and broke the Wolverine career rushing mark with 3,317 yards. His honors include the John F. Maulbetsch Award (top freshman) and the Louis B. Hyde Award (team's MVP). He finished third in Heisman Trophy balloting. He set a conference record by rushing for 180 yards in just 10 carries against Michigan State, an unprecedented 18-yard per carry average. Lytle became an outstanding player with the Denver Broncos of the NFL. http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fballam/aalytler.htm
GoBlueInCT
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 8:30 a.m.
A true Michigan man! I met him at a pancake breakfast at St. Francis church when Jim Harbaugh and I were in fifth or sixth grade. Those experiences, and the people that shaped them, are the ones that stick with a person for a lifetime. I'm sure Rob Lytle was part of many more for many others.
BlueFan62
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
RIP Rob. Way too young to pass away. A true Michigan Man! Fast and powerful, the way Michigan running backs USED to be!
David Briegel
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LYTLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE" I also loved that cheer every single time he touched the ball. Bo certainly brought those Ohio guys to Mich! Lytle was a joy to watch and a true representative of "The Michigan Man"! 56 was way too young for a reported heart attack to be fatal. I also became a Bronco fan to watch for Lytle! "The Fremont Jet"! R.I.P.
klick12
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 11:04 p.m.
My gosh thats so sad. I used to love watching Robbie Lytle play. What was the COD? 56 seems so young. RIP Robbie.
saintd
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 10:19 p.m.
This guy had the heart of a lion and was always easy to spot on the field as he was always covered in blood,sweat,and dirt. Tough as they come. At 63 and still pretty rough around the edges,I must admit that I teared up when hearing this very bad news. Rest in peace young man you where a joy to behold on the football field.
Solar Blue
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 8:25 p.m.
What a great player and person, he made the most of all of his talents. I love it that Bo was able to recruit players like this from Ohio and turn them into "Michigan men". The fact that he helped U of M win in '76 at OSU was huge, both for U of M and him personnally I'm sure! RIP Rob, GO BLUE!
amaizenblueballs
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 7:26 p.m.
Very sorry to hear this news. Thank you Edward Vielmetti for the Youtube link. Those were the days.
UM24osu12
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 5:52 p.m.
In response to "Inside the Hall" question, please see http://141.211.39.65/allroster/FMPro?-DB=allrost.fp5&-Format=fbresult.htm&-SortField=name&-SortOrder=Ascend&year=1974&-max=170&-Find
InsideTheHall
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.
Did Lytle ever wear #25? I don't recall that did the Michigan Sports Dept. make a mistake? http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112110aaa.html
InsideTheHall
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.
We have lost a great Michigan Man in Rob Lytle
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
Fond memories. He played a big role in the Bo/Woody wars. One of my heroes as a kid. My condolences to his family and friends.
BlueInBama
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.
Our prayers are with the Lytle Family.
Gary
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.
To quote the late, great Bob Ufer: "Rob Lytle...a TRUE All-American in every sense of the word!" Gone to soon, but never, EVER forgotten! Prayers & condolences to his friends & family! GO BLUE...FOREVER!!!
UM24osu12
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.
As life-long UM fan (first game, Sept 1964), Rob Lytle was the manifestation of what BO referred to as a "Michigan Man". His willingness to sacrifice his natural position (tailback in the I formation) by moving to fullback so that, initially, Gordon Bell and then Harlan Hucklebee could play that position is a 'signature' story. His dominating performance against OSU in 1976 win (last win had been the 1971 game marked/marred by Woody's sideline marker 'rampage') will long live in the memories of those who saw the game. Rob Lytle was simply a GREAT Michigan player whose 41 (long time fans will recall he changed jersey numbers; he wore both 25 and 41 during his career) I proudly wore on a tee-shirt. Deep condolences to his family
81wolverine
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 12:23 p.m.
That's SO sad. Rob Lytle was a great player. He was our main running back when I first became a big Michigan fan. That 180 yard effort against MSU was amazing - he did it in around 10 carries! During his best year, he averaged around 6 1/2 yards a carry. Those were the days! R.I.P. Rob, we'll miss you.
goblue
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
RIP,,,,,Those were the days
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.
rip Rob, We loved you man!
lefty48197
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.
RIP Rob. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you and your teammates play the game the way it was meant to be played! I also enjoyed sitting in section 18, row 52 where the cheers of "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LYTLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE" rang out every single time you touched the ball. You also made Denver Bronco fans out of every single girl who was a teenager in Ann Arbor during the 1970's. Go Blue and RIP my friend.