Finally some closure for the New York Jets and Dennis Byrd’s family. Charges were finally filed this afternoon.
Former New York Jets defensive end Dennis Byrd tragically lost his life at the age of 50 in a car accident on October 15, 2016.
Today, charges were filed on 18-year-old Zachary Reed. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Reed was driving northbound when he veered into the oncoming lane and struck Byrd’s vehicle.
Byrd was a second-round pick of the Jets in the 1989 draft. He recorded 28 sacks in 57 games. Byrd was putting up Hall of Fame numbers but his career was cut short in 1992 with a neck injury.
Byrd’s story was a true inspiration. Doctors were not certain he would be able to walk again. Despite that, he went through intense rehab and by the next season’s opening game, he walked to midfield by himself as an honorary captain.
During the playoffs in 2011, coach Rex Ryan brought in Byrd to address the team. His words and his story had such an impact on players that LaDainian Tomlinson and James Ihedigbo carried out a green and white No. 90 jersey to midfield for the opening coin toss.
Byrd is a member of the Jets ring of honor and players vote each year for the leagues most inspirational player, the award is named after Byrd.
