1. Dennis DeWayne Byrd was an American professional football player who was a defensive end and defensive tackle for the New York Jets of the National Football League.
17 Facts About Dennis Byrd
1. 2.
Dennis Byrd played college football for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
3.
Dennis Byrd played for the Jets for four seasons beginning in 1989.
4.
Dennis Byrd's career ended when he was paralyzed following a collision with a teammate during a game.
5.
Dennis Byrd enrolled at the University of Tulsa, where he played college football for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
6.
Dennis Byrd started for the Golden Hurricane defense for four seasons, registering 321 tackles and 20 quarterback sacks.
7.
Dennis Byrd made 13 sacks in 1990 and seven sacks in 1991.
8.
Dennis Byrd again played as a defensive end in 1992.
9.
Dennis Byrd missed a month of the 1992 season due to a shoulder injury.
10.
Dennis Byrd suffered a neck injury during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 29,1992.
11.
Dennis Byrd ducked his head at the last moment before he collided with Mersereau's chest.
12.
Dennis Byrd returned to the Meadowlands for the Jets' home opener on September 5,1993, walking to midfield as an honorary captain for the coin toss.
13.
Dennis Byrd spent several years traveling across the country and sharing his life story.
14.
Dennis Byrd served as defensive line coach at Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma and later at Lincoln Christian School in Tulsa.
15.
Dennis Byrd lived outside of Tulsa with his wife, the former Angela Hales, and their four children.
16.
Dennis Byrd was the third child of five born to Daniel and Nancy Dennis Byrd.
17.
Dennis Byrd's 12-year-old son, who was a passenger, was injured in the accident.