Buddy Ryan was more than just a coach. Ryan was a defensive mastermind and above all else a leader of men. One that will be truly missed by anyone who had the honor of being in his presence. Sadly, the architect of the ’85 Bears 46 defense passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 85.
While nationally recognized as the defensive coordinator that was carried off the field after Super Bowl XX, I will always remember him in the Kelly Green and White. Ryan came to the City of Brotherly Love in 1986 and made a huge impact, making the playoffs in 3 of his 5 seasons at the controls. And though he never won a postseason contest, he transformed a much maligned Eagles defense in to something to be feared.
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy drafted and molded many Pro Bowl talents like Seth Joyner, Clyde Simmons, Jerome Brown, and Eric Allen. Not to mention, escalating the skill of Hall of Famer Reggie White. There could be no discounting the effect Ryan’s no nonsense style had on the Bird’s D.
It was Buddy Ryan’s teams that made me fall in love with the Eagles and I have been pledging my allegiance ever since. So, thank you coach, for starting this Philly kid’s love affair with pigskin and I know that while you are up there in heaven, the quarterbacks are looking over their shoulders.
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