NFL teams, coaches and players pay tribute to the great Buddy Ryan
Buddy Ryan left his mark on the NFL with his bold innovations and his brash talk
Buddy Ryan is gone, but his colorful NFL legacy lives on. The never-dull defensive guru who famously said "a quarterback has never completed a pass when he was flat on his back" passed away Tuesday at the age of 85. Despite the fact that reputable outlets have reported Ryan was 82, a CBS Sports producer spoke to the executor of the estate who clarified that Ryan was born on Feb. 17, 1931, and was actually 85 when he died.
Various NFL teams and Ryan's former players, including Panthers coach Ron Rivera, reacted to the news on Twitter.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 28, 2016
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 28, 2016
Rest in peace, Buddy Ryan.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 28, 2016
Our thoughts & condolences are with the Ryan family. pic.twitter.com/aheK650mdm
We send our condolences to the family of former assistant Buddy Ryan. https://t.co/QUF411eqfnpic.twitter.com/vGY8UZoWkv
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 28, 2016
Legendary coach, loving father.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) June 28, 2016
The Bills mourn the passing of Buddy Ryan.
Team statement: https://t.co/3kTHvjbSgqpic.twitter.com/sJIZJDrxAb
On behalf of the #LPD, we honor the legacy of Buddy Ryan, the 46 "Bear" defense & his contributions to the game! pic.twitter.com/ufBibGCynM
— VT Football (@VT_Football) June 28, 2016
Ryan was most famously known as the guru behind the vaunted "46" defense of the 1985 Chicago Bears, one of the greatest -- and most colorful -- teams in NFL history. His former players from that team and other teams he coached paid tribute to the NFL icon.
#RipBuddyRyan thx 4 being my first defensive influence. The #NFL has lost another defensive innovator. #46Defense
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) June 28, 2016
The reason why. Thank you for everything, my friend. #RIPBuddyRyan#Legendpic.twitter.com/ctvjCga4zY
— Otis Wilson (@OtisWilson_55) June 28, 2016
Sad Day... RIP to my former coach Buddy Ryan and Pat Summit... Both made lasting impacts on the games they loved.
— Jamie Dukes (@jamiedukes) June 28, 2016
There were also plenty of tributes from opposing players that faced Ryan's defenses over the years, as well as current players and those that played for one or both of Ryan's two sons, Rex and Rob.
#RIPBuddy. Your 85 @ChicagoBears Defense was the best I faced in the @NFL
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) June 28, 2016
https://t.co/aIzqAU9w4Q
RIP coach Buddy Ryan. I had the privilege of playing for both his sons. #85BEARSdpic.twitter.com/vNeOJ3O0YL
— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) June 28, 2016
My prayers to the Ryan family #restinparadisebuddy
— Muhammad Wilkerson (@mowilkerson) June 28, 2016
Just heard the news of Buddy Ryan may he rest in paradise. It's a sad day for the Ryan Family. God bless. .
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) June 28, 2016
Praying for the families of Pat Summitt & Buddy Ryan!
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 28, 2016
Two of the Best Coaches of All Time.
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Seth Ryan, one of Buddy's grandsons who plays at Clemson, also reflected on the legacy of his grandfather and his family name.
Thank you to everyone praying for my family! The toughest man I'll ever know Buddy Ryan. R.I.P. Grandpa! #RyanStrongpic.twitter.com/z2ZHXDChuh
— Seth Ryan (@SethRyan20) June 28, 2016
















