Byrd will be honorary Jets captain on Sunday
Dennis Byrd of the New York Jets is attended by team trainers and medical personnel after being injured during a third quarter play. (Nov. 29, 1992) Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Dennis Byrd shared his story with the Jets on Saturday and inspired them against the Patriots the next day.
His presence at Heinz Field this Sunday may do the same. Byrd, the Jets defensive tackle who was paralyzed during a game in 1992, will walk onto the field before the AFC Championship Game as an honorary captain.
Rex Ryan asked the league for permission to allow Byrd to be a captain, and he will be with the rest of the team captains at midfield for the coin toss.
"It's fitting for him to be our captain. I wouldn't want it any other way," Mark Sanchez said. "Hearing about his story for the first time [Saturday] really makes you understand how fragile we are, how fragile your career is. These moments you have on the plane, hanging around in the locker room, having fun with the guys, going to games, playing - it's pretty special and it can end at any moment. It's a good reminder of how fortunate we are.
"[Byrd's] story definitely gave us inspiration last week. It's just fitting he'll lead us out there this weekend."
