Rex Ryan Issues Statement Following Death of His Father

Buddy Ryan was defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears when they won Super Bowl XX [Getty Images][/caption]On behalf of his brother and the entire family, Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan issued an eloquent and heartfelt public message through the Bills office following the death of his father Buddy Ryan on Tuesday. 

Buddy Ryan had a 35-year career in the NFL including head coaching stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals and served as defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears and Houston Oilers. He began his coaching career as a defensive line coach with the University of Buffalo Bulls from 1961-1965. Buddy Ryan was 82.

“On behalf of the entire Ryan family, we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their sympathies, prayers and warm thoughts with the passing of my dad. He was many things to many people--outstanding coach, mentor, fierce competitor, father figure, faithful friend and the list goes on. But to me and my brothers Rob and Jim, he was so much more. He was everything you want in a dad--tough when he had to be, compassionate when you didn't necessarily expect it, and a loving teacher and confidant who cherished his family. He truly was our hero."

 

“For Rob and me, we've had the great fortune of sharing the coaching profession that he was so proud of and cherished so much. There is no way we can possibly begin to measure how much football we have learned from him over the years and we are forever thankful to him for instilling within us his unwavering love for the game of football."

 

“While today is a tough day for all of us in the Ryan family, we are consoled in knowing how much dad was loved by so many and the love he gave back in return. Though we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through all of us."