Dennis Byrd: 1966-2016
Dennis Byrd was drafted in the second round of the 1989 NFL Draft out of Tulsa by the New York Jets as a defensive end. As a rookie Byrd accumulated seven sacks, and followed that performance up with 13 sacks as a sophomore. He was a rising star not just with the Jets, but in the National Football League.
In 1992, Byrd became paralyzed after suffering a broken vertebrae in his neck following a collision with his own teammate. After extensive physical therapy, Byrd was able to regain his ability to walk, although he was never able to return as a football player. The Jets organization recognized Byrd with the Most Inspirational Player Award, which now bears his name.
Following his injury, the Jets took Byrd’s number 90 out of circulation, and officially retired it in 2012.
Byrd was killed in a car crash on October 15, 2016, five days after his 50th birthday.
“We are all devastated by the untimely loss of Dennis Byrd,” said Jets owner Woody Johnson. “Soft-spoken and strong-willed, the inspiration he provided to all not only by his play on the field but from the way he overcame life’s obstacles was remarkable by any measure. His impact on the New York Jets and the many lives he touched will never be forgotten.”
New York donned black patches with Byrd’s uniform number on the back of their helmets for the remainder of their 2016 season.