Dennis Byrd, the former Jets defensive lineman whose four-year career ended when he broke his neck and was paralyzed in 1992, spoke to the Jets on Saturday night at the team hotel. He gave what has been characterized as an inspirational message to the team in advance of today's AFC Divisional Round Game against the Patriots.
On Wednesday, Byrd sent head coach Rex Ryan the jersey that was cut off of him on Nov. 29, 1992, the day of his injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. On Sunday, less than two hours before the Jets faced the Patriots, Byrd talked with reporters. Here is the transcript of his response to questions.
On his speech to the Jets on Saturday night...
This is one of the most special moments for me as a former athlete, as an individual. This is one of those priceless moments, a convergence of many things for this organization, the things that I've been through in life. It's special and important for me to make a context with this team and to share with them some of the things that are so important. Because the most important thing about this moment is for the men of this team to understand that they don't come along very often.
This is a critical point, an important point for the Jets and this organization for these young men. I want them to know that this is it. It's not looking to the future, it's not looking to next year or we need this piece or that piece or we'll be better when we do this. It's now. The talent is here, the coaching is here, the organizational commitment is here and it's time to do it.
On how he got reconnected with the Jets...
I've been in contact with a young man that is the son of a former scout for the Jets. The former scout is Marv Sunderland, the son is Brock. Brock is now a scout with the Jets and we Facebooked and it was neat to catch up with him.
And it's been in my heart for a long time to send the jersey that was cut off of me when I had my injury 18 years ago, to send it back. They have honored me by not reissuing that number and it's a great honor. I wanted to return it and let it be what it is, what life it took on. We'll see, and Coach Ryan received it so well. I was excited about doing it and it was exciting for me to have Brock make a connection back with the team. There's a spillover of young men still in the organization and that's nice to see.
On why he hasn't been around the team much over the years...
I've always been connected with the franchise, but there's been turnover. People come and go, coaches come and go. The team has been sold. The natural part of it, and the natural part of being a father and children and sports and this was the season, that wasn't as easy to get done as if I lived here. This moment is important because this is a crossroads.
This is a time in the life of this organization where they have an opportunity to take that next step. Everything is here and it's in place. I wanted to make sure that I at least did what I knew was in my heart and to just do anything that I could to let these young men know how important this moment is.
On the reaction to his message from the players...
It was priceless. When I was speaking to them initially, they were so quiet, I was a little nervous that this was falling flat, that this wasn't working. That happens at times whenever you have people's attention. I didn't panic, but in visiting with the men afterwards and the coaches, it was easy to see that it had the effect that I had really been wishing for.
On Braylon Edwards' Twitter comments about how inspirational his message was...
For me, that's what I wanted to have done because last night was not the time for the rah-rah speech, getting everybody ready to go and play the game tonight. Last night was about understanding the nuances of athletics, competition, what this moment is. Capturing this moment, not letting it slip through your fingers.
There will be a time in the future and there will be a time to appreciate and enjoy when your children are born, when your children are married, those priceless things. But this is not that time. This is the time when you set up yourself for making that next step. For beating an opponent that is a challenge to you and making a statement and that's what this is about.
On how he was introduced...
The introduction, Coach Ryan had a highlight tape made. It went back to those black and whites when you remember me being around. He showed the highlight film and then he introduced me and I spoke to the men for about 15 minutes and shared the things that we're talking about now in general and I stayed around after, had a snack and just visited.
On if he still feels that he'll always be a Jet...
Well, they're the only colors I've ever worn. While I live a quiet life, I do have a television and I have followed every game, all the players. It's been a joy to watch and this is sports, the highs and lows. This is what you have when you have a team, whenever you follow a group or an organization. This is the beauty of sports. This has been my love as far as a professional football team and this is a very special moment.
On sharing time with Rex Ryan...
He's an Okie, so there's so many common things. We've talked about a lot of things. One of the things we laughed about, as a grown man, this is the only time I've been in public without a pocket knife because of the airport travel. That may not be funny to you, but Rex appreciates that.
Just all the little things. Our conversation last night was not about Xs and Os. It was just about what I like to say or call those nuances of the game. You do have the Xs and Os and blocking and tackling and all of those things. But there's a side where a man's will counts for a tremendous amount. That's kind of what we talked about and I shared it with the team. You have a body, a mind and a will. What we talked about is the will.
On how special the whole experience was...
It means a lot to me right now. It's going to mean a lot more to me in a few hours and we'll go to that next step after that. This is that moment. It's that moment for men to put that stamp on who they're supposed to be, who everybody thought they could be. This is that time. There come these moments where you have to rise to the challenge and this is the one. This is the present game, this is the one that counts the most. I'm excited about it.
On if he'd like to come to New York next season...
I have no idea what is going on. I was so humbled by the reception that I've had and it's been a joy, it's just been a lot of fun and a joy and I sure would like to be there.
On why he sent his jersey to the team...
I sent them the jersey with the understanding that this is something that I'd like to share with you and really the jersey was sent for Coach Ryan. I love to watch him as a coach. He understands the significance of these kinds of things and I was thrilled to see when Coach Ryan was hired as the coach, his attitude, his pedigree, the way that he coaches and how aggressive they are.
I didn't know how many games the Jets were going to win, but I knew that they weren't going to lose any fights. I was kind of excited about that.
