Former Jets DL Dennis Byrd, 50, killed in head-on crash in Oklahoma
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 Byrd’s home when a 17-year-old driver going the other direction on on Oklahoma Highway 88 veered into the oncoming lane, striking Byrd’s SUV around 11:15 a.m. local time. Byrd, who reportedly suffered massive injuries in the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 17-year old driver in the other vehicle and a 12-year-old passenger were sent to the hospital in critical condition.
Byrd was a second-round pick out of Tulsa in 1989 by the Jets. Despite playing only four seasons for the team, 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 an autobiography and a movie telling his story. His No. 90 jersey has not been worn by a Jets player since.
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.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!
