EAST LANSING— After 15 years of experience with the Detroit Lions, including 14 years shaping the franchise’s contract and salary cap strategies, Jon Dykema has been hired by Michigan State University as the new Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Management and Assistant General Counsel.
In this newly created role, Dykema will oversee a wide range of responsibilities, from negotiating contracts and managing commercial partnerships to handling name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities for MSU athletics.
“Jon brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Detroit Lions, where he played a critical role in managing contracts and salary cap strategies,” Alan Haller, Vice President and Director of Athletics at MSU, said in a statement. “His background in both the NFL and college athletics will make him an invaluable asset to our department as we continue to adapt to changes in the industry and revenue sharing.”
Dykema’s tenure with the Detroit Lions was marked by his extensive experience managing legal aspects of the team’s operations.
From overseeing salary cap management to negotiating player contracts and advising the coaching staff on penalty trends and rule interpretations, Dykema has played a vital behind-the-scenes role in the Lions’ success.
He also served as the team’s primary contact for the NFL Officiating Department and the NFL Management Council, showcasing his broad understanding of the intricacies of professional sports administration.
“Michigan State holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to return to the institution where my career in athletics administration began,” Dykema said in a statement. “I’m excited to work with Coach Tom Izzo and the MSU athletics community across all sports, and I’m deeply grateful to the Detroit Lions for everything they’ve done for me and my family. This is a unique opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to the success of Spartan athletics.”
Dykema’s career with the Lions began in 2011 when he joined the team as Staff Counsel. Over the years, he ascended through various roles, including Interim General Counsel, Manager of Football Administration and most recently, Director of Football Compliance and Lead Counsel.
His diverse experience within the organization makes him well-prepared to navigate the evolving complexities of collegiate athletics.
Beyond his professional accomplishments with the Lions, Dykema also has a background in college athletics. Prior to his NFL career, he spent four years as the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations at the University of Utah.
He also gained experience working in the compliance office at Akron Athletics while attending law school at the University of Akron.
A 2003 graduate of MSU, Dykema was an integral part of the MSU men’s basketball team, serving as a student manager for four years, including two seasons as head student manager.
His time with the program was marked by significant success, including the 2000 NCAA Championship, two Big Ten regular-season titles and two Final Four appearances.
As Dykema transitions into his new role at MSU, he will continue to play an essential role in shaping the future of Spartan athletics, providing expert legal and contract guidance during a time of significant change in the world of college sports.
