Former New York Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd, whose career was cut short because of a broken neck, was killed in a two-car, head-on crash in Oklahoma, according to the Tulsa World. Byrd was 50.
The accident occurred near his home. Two others — a 17-year old drive and a 12-year-old passenger — involved in the crash were sent to the hospital in critical condition. Byrd reportedly suffered massive injuries in the crash, per reports.
Byrd was a second-round pick out of Tulsa in 1989 and played four years for the Jets. But he was a beloved figure for his personality and his giving nature.