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.

[wazu]

Originally Posted by Spott

They actually got a lot of flack from the media and the NY fan base for calling that play on the very next snap.

Must have hit home. Seems like they haven't called it since.

[Chiefshrink]

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

that was probably the only time Kreig ever fumbled.

[Chiefshrink]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

was he decent?

He was good. But got overshadowed by Klecko and Gastineau. You might say he was like what Jaye Howard is for us but Houston and Hali get the headlines. Now I get that Howard is a DL and Byrd was a DE but you get my point.

[mcaj22]

Originally Posted by Chiefshrink

He was good. But got overshadowed by Klecko and Gastineau. You might say he was like what Jaye Howard is for us but Houston and Hali get the headlines. Now I get that Howard is a DL and Byrd was a DE but you get my point.

he had 27 sacks in his first three seasons, thats way better than good lol

[Chiefshrink]

[scho63]

Originally Posted by Chiefshrink

He was good. But got overshadowed by Klecko and Gastineau. You might say he was like what Jaye Howard is for us but Houston and Hali get the headlines. Now I get that Howard is a DL and Byrd was a DE but you get my point.

Originally Posted by mcaj22

he had 27 sacks in his first three seasons, thats way better than good lol

Both are true but the reason he got overshadowed was because Klecko and Gastineau acted like celebrities and created oversized personas of themselves with the New York Sack Exchange.

Byrd was underrated in his short time he played prior to injury.

[gblowfish]

This is a very sad story. Byrd was a brave man. I remember watching the game where he got hurt. Byrd was injured by one of his team mates, they just collided when Kreig stepped up in the pocket at the last second. Sounds like Byrd was hit in the middle of the day by a teenage driver, bet he was texting.

[AeroSquid]

I also remember that day and play. i followed his recovery and i'm generally happy with how he ended up. sucks to die in such a senseless way, dammit. he was a good guy.