He played defensive tackle and contributed to the team winning the 1980 state championship.
Lilly was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers after the 1986 NFL draft on May 15.
He turned down a chance to re-sign for a fourth time after being cut on December 13, but still received a ring and a full share of the playoff money after the team won Super Bowl XXIII.
On September 14, he was released after the season opener to make room for linebacker Matt Millen.
[7] He was a backup behind right tackle Dean Hamel and played sparingly in the third game against the Washington Redskins.