Former Jets DL Dennis Byrd, 50, killed in head-on crash in Oklahoma

[scho63]

I was at the Jets-Chiefs when Dennis Byrd got temporarily paralyzed

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/former-...021715740.html

Former New York Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd, whose career was cut short because of a broken neck, was killed in a two-car, head-on crash in Oklahoma, according to the Tulsa World. Byrd was 50.

The accident occurred near his home. Two others — a 17-year old driver and a 12-year-old passenger — involved in the crash were sent to the hospital in critical condition. Byrd reportedly suffered massive injuries in the crash, per reports.

Byrd was a second-round pick out of Tulsa in 1989 and played four years for the Jets. Despite playing only four seasons, he was a beloved figure for his personality and his giving nature. Jets fans also came to revere Byrd most after he suffered serious spinal damage in a collision with teammate Scott Mersereau in a game on Thanksgiving weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Doctors feared Byrd would never walk again. Instead, miraculously, her walked within weeks of the accident — to the amazement of his doctors and to the inspiration of fans. Byrd would be the subject of a book and a movie telling his story.

For the most part, Byrd had stayed out of the spotlight since leaving the NFL after a brief announcing career. But then Jets head coach Rex Ryan brought Byrd to motivate the Jets before a playoff game against the New England Patriots in 2010. Players said at the time that it was among the most moving speeches they’d ever heard, and it helped spring a major upset.