Dennis Byrd the former NFL defensive lineman who became known for recovering from a neck injury that nearly paralyzed him, was killed in a car accident on Saturday at the age of 50. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Byrd died in a two-vehicle collision on Oklahoma 88 north of Claremore. He starred at Mustang High School outside Oklahoma City and then at the University of Tulsa before playing for the New York Jets. “We extend our sincere condolences to Dennis’ wife, Angela, their children and the entire Byrd family,” said Dr Derrick Gragg, Tulsa’s athletic director. “I learned to be a man in Oklahoma,” Byrd said, “and I grew to be a man in New York.”Every year, a Jets player is selected by his team-mates to receive the Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational Player award.

Source: The Guardian October 16, 2016 12:00 UTC