Jets to honor Dennis Byrd, killed last weekend in car crash

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) – The New York Jets will honor the late Dennis Byrd in a pregame ceremony Sunday after he was killed last weekend in a car accident in Oklahoma.

Byrd was an inspiration to many after he overcame brief paralysis and walked again just a few months after injuring his neck during a play in 1992. The defensive lineman, who played for the Jets for four seasons, died in a two-vehicle collision on Oklahoma 88 north of Claremore last Saturday. He was 50.

The Jets will show a video tribute after player introductions Sunday at MetLife Stadium before the game against Baltimore.

A moment of silence will be held before the national anthem, and members of Byrd’s immediate family will serve as honorary captains for the game.

Byrd’s former teammates and close friends Scott Mersereau, Paul Frase and Marvin Washington will join the family at midfield for the coin toss. The Jets will also wear decals featuring Byrd’s retired No. 90 on their helmets, as they did last week during their game at Arizona.