When New York Jets defensive end Dennis Byrd collided with teammate and fellow defensive lineman Scott Merserau as the two stepped up to sack Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Dave Krieg, the end result was horrific.
The crown of Byrd’s helmet slammed violently into Mersereau’s chest, fracturing a vertebrae in his neck, sending him tumbling motionless to the ground. Paralyzing him from the waist down for what some believed would be forever.
It was the type of collision that should have been the last of its kind in any mans life. Sadly for Byrd, it was not.
It is now being reported that Byrd, who celebrated his 50th birthday just a few weeks ago, was tragically killed when the 17-year old driver of an oncoming vehicle swerved into Byrd’s lane.