Los Angeles (AFP) - James "Buddy" Ryan, the father of twin brothers Rex and Rob and mastermind of the Chicago Bears' famed "46 defense", died Tuesday at the age of 82.
Ryan's health had deteriorated in recent years as he battled cancer. He attended a Buffalo game last season in a wheelchair to watch son Rex's Bills.
Buddy Ryan got a taste of being a champion as defensive coordinator with the title-winning New York Jets in Super Bowl III and was credited with being the difference-maker when the Bears crushed the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.