New York Jets: Remembering Dennis Byrd, Gone at Age 50
We look back at the career of New York Jets inspirational legend Dennis Byrd, killed in a car accident at age 50.
This report comes with a heavy heart, New York Jets fans. As reported by Mike Averill in Tulsa World, Dennis Byrd has died. He was involved in a two-car accident on Saturday morning, and pronounced dead at the scene. He was 50 years old.
Let’s look back at the career and inspirational life of the former Jets defensive lineman.
Byrd was an Oklahoma boy from Day 1, born in Tulsa on Oct. 5, 1966. He stayed home for his college days, playing for Tulsa University and earning All-American status. The Jets chose Byrd with their second-round pick in the 1989 NFL draft. He quickly made an impact.
Byrd was a backup during that rookie year of 1989, but he still managed seven sacks. His biggest day came in San Diego against the Chargers, when he sacked Billy Joe Tolliver 2.5 times on the way to a Jets’ 20-17 victory.
He took over as a starting defensive tackle in 1990 and posted 13 sacks, including 5.5 over the final three weeks of the season. He dominated the New England Patriots, taking Marc Wilson down three times during a 42-7 victory. He followed that up with two more in the victory over the Buccaneers.
In 1991, Byrd posted seven more sacks, establishing himself as one of the Jets’ top pass rushers once again. He recorded two-plus sacks in a game two more times that year, once against the Patriots, and once against the Dolphins—both victories for the Jets.
Nov. 29,1992, the day that will live in infamy in Jets history. The day that changed the life of Dennis Byrd forever. On that fateful day, Byrd lined up on one side of the line, Scott Mersereau on the opposite site. Dave Krieg took the snap and the two Jets made a beeline for the quarterback. Krieg stepped up in the pocket, causing Mersereau and Byrd to collide. Mersereau walked away, we all know that Byrd did not.
He was driven off the field, paralyzed, never to play again.
Most people would never walk again and let it beat them. Not Byrd. He worked his tail off to recover. And just one year later, he walked to the center of the field at Giants’ stadium. His recovery was a true testament to sheer will and determination. Byrd said he would walk again and he absolutely did.
Prior to the 2010 divisional playoff victory over the New England Patriots, the Jets captains brought Byrd’s jersey to the middle of the field for the coin flip, using his memory as a source of inspiration.
The Jets retired his No. 90 jersey at halftime against the Dolphins the following year.
For his career, he logged 28 sacks as a member of the Jets. But that is hardly the measure of the man.
Dennis Byrd was the definition of a warrior and he will be missed.