Dennis Byrd was an inspiration for far more than anything he ever accomplished on a football field.He was able to walk again.And with each step he took toward recovery from paralysis while guided by his always-present faith, Byrd defied doctors grim predictions and became a symbol of perseverance and hope.On Saturday, the former NFL defensive lineman whose career was ended by a neck injury, was killed in a car accident. He was 50.The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Byrd died in a two-vehicle collision on Oklahoma 88 north of Claremore.The Tulsa World first reported Byrds death. He starred at Mustang High School outside Oklahoma City and then at the University of Tulsa before playing for the New York Jets.We extend our sincere condolences to Dennis wife, Angela, their children and the entire Byrd family, said Dr. Derrick Gragg, Tulsas athletic director. Dennis exemplified true determination, tremendous heart and humility throughout his life. He had a tremendous playing career at TU and professionally with the New York Jets. He overcame great personal adversity after a life-altering injury on the football field.We know that Dennis touched numerous lives and will be missed by many.The Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services said the crash happened about 11 a.m. between Oologah and Claremore. It said a 17-year-old Claremore youth driving a 2000 Ford Explorer northbound on Oklahoma 88 veered into the oncoming lane, striking the 2004 Hummer H2 that Byrd was driving.Byrd, who had returned to his home in Talala in recent years, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 17-year-old driver and a 12-year-old passenger in Byrds vehicle were taken in critical condition to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa.The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Byrd was a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 1989 and quickly became a fan favorite for his intensity on the field as much as his humble, soft-spoken approach off it.He was considered one of the NFLs promising young defensive ends during his first three seasons, racking up 27 sacks -- a mark that only two players in franchise history surpassed: Mark Gastineau with 33 1/2 from 1979-81 and John Abraham with 27 1/2 from 2000-02.Byrd had one sack midway through his fourth season when his life was changed during a game on Nov. 29, 1992, against Kansas City.He broke his neck after slamming headfirst into the chest of teammate Scott Mersereau as Chiefs quarterback David Krieg stepped forward to avoid a sack. The impact broke the C-5 vertebra in Byrds neck, leaving him briefly paralyzed, although doctors were uncertain if Byrd would ever be able to walk again.After a vigorous rehabilitation over the next several months, Byrd returned to the Meadowlands for the Jets opening game the following season and walked -- gingerly but unaided -- to midfield as an honorary captain.He never fully recovered from the injury, walking with some difficulty and going through continuous rehabilitation during the years since. But Byrd, a devout Christian, wrote a book in 1993 called Rise and Walk: The Trial and Triumph of Dennis Byrd, which detailed how he relied on his faith and family to push through his injury to recover and serve an inspiration to others who went through similar situations.Byrds story was later made into a made-for-TV movie, with actor-director Peter Berg playing him.During the 2010 season, Byrd sent then-Jets coach Rex Ryan the No. 90 jersey that had been torn from his torso on the field after the collision as an inspirational gift.As a guest of the team, Byrd delivered a moving speech to the Jets at their hotel the night before a 28-21 playoff victory over the New England Patriots -- during which the Jets had hung Byrds jersey in their locker room.Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and safety James Ihedigbo also carried out a green and white No. 90 jersey to midfield for the coin toss before the game. Many Jets players credited Byrds speech for helping motivate them to the victory.Hearing about his story for the first time really makes you understand how fortunate we are and how fragile your career is, then-quarterback Mark Sanchez said at the time. These moments you have on the plane, hanging around in the locker room, having fun with guys, going to eat, playing on the field, its pretty special. It can end at any moment. That was just a good reminder for us of how fortunate we are.No Jets player has worn No. 90 since Byrd, and on Oct. 28, 2012, the team honored him at halftime of its game against Miami by making him the fifth player in franchise history to have his number retired.Mersereau introduced Byrd to the crowd, saying the most touching moment of his life came when he visited Byrd in the hospital and his teammate -- unable to walk at that time -- told him: Angie and I have been worried about you.Flanked by wife Angela and their four children, along with several of his former teammates, Byrd fought back tears while he was given a standing ovation by the fans at MetLife Stadium.I learned to be a man in Oklahoma, Byrd said, and I grew to be a man in New York.Every year, a Jets player is selected by his teammates to receive the Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational Player award.I really have loved coaching football and working with kids, talking about the lessons Ive learned as an athlete and the journey as someone with a disability, Byrd said in 2012. Football has always been, for me, a cornerpost of strength and a way to accomplish things in life, whether its on the field or just in maintaining a quality of life. All those lessons -- dedication, perseverance, teamwork -- they all dovetail nicely into living a blessed life.---Associated Press Writer Jeff McMurray in Chicago and AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken in Houston contributed to this report.---Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Brian Dawkins Jersey . From filmmaker Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes), The Price of Gold revisits the saga that rocked the figure skating world ahead of the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Winter Games: the assault on Nancy Kerrigan, and the plot that led its way back to her rival Tonya Harding. Brandon McManus Jersey . Emery skated the length of the ice and fought an unwilling Holtby during the third period of the Flyers 7-0 loss Friday night in Philadelphia. He was given 29 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. But Emery did not face even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan because rules 46. http://www.cheapbroncosjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-linden-stephens-jersey . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1. Keishawn Bierria Jersey . Ouellette, from Montreal, already has three Olympic gold medals since joining the team in 1999. Dalton Risner Jersey . P.A. Parenteau scored early in the third period to help the Avs edge Toronto 2-1 on Tuesday night. Cory Sarich also scored for Colorado (3-0-0), which is off to its best ever start. LOS ANGELES -- Southern California held its final scrimmage Friday, one day before it plans to name a starting quarterback.Whether it changed or confirmed the decision about redshirt junior Max Browne or redshirt freshman Sam Darnold taking the first snap against defending national champion Alabama, no one would say.Safety Chris Hawkins said the quarterback with the No. 4 on his jersey has the edge, which doesnt exactly help because Browne wears No. 4 and Darnold No. 14.Take it however yall want to take it, Hawkins said.Coach Clay Helton will meet with both quarterbacks and their families Saturday to inform them of his decision before announcing a starter via a statement in the afternoon. A formal depth chart could also be released at that time.Browne had the better performance Friday, unofficially completing 13 of 22 passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions leading three scoring drives. Darnold was 10 of 19 with one touchdown and no interceptions, but a perfect 5 of 5 during a two-minute drill against the second-unit defense to conclude practice for his only scoring drive. Browne and Darnold worked equally between first- and second-team, apart from the two-minute drills.Helton said it was one of the better offensive performances of training camp.Both quarterbacks did some nice things, Helton said. Im looking forward to watching the tap tonight and in the morning.The final data point was essentially the reverse of Mondays scrimmage at the Coliseum when Darnold had the more impressive statistics and Browne salvaged the session with a perfect two-minute drill. As Helton pointed out, Browne and Darnold have made the decision on choosing a successor to three-year starter Cody Kessler difficult dating back to spring practices.I think that happens when you have elite quarterbacks competing at this higgh a level, Helton said.dddddddddddd I cant tell you how proud I am of them, the way they competed, but more importantly the camaraderie that they have had in the room and supporting each other and competing against each other. I thanked them today, how they have handled both camps, very proud of both of them and look forward to visiting with them tomorrow.Helton will review film and consult with offensive coordinator Tee Martin, quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast for their input, but said the final decision would be his.It isnt a choice Helton thought he would have to make when he was promoted to head coach last November. Browne arrived at USC as the top pro-style quarterback in his recruiting class and spent the last two seasons backing up Kessler. Darnold bucked the trend and didnt enroll early, spending last season running the scout team.I always knew Max being who he was ... You knew he would perform well. But to Sams credit, just to be this good this fast is remarkable, Helton said.They push each other, Hawkins said. If Max comes out and throws a 40-yard bomb, Sam comes out and does something amazing as well.Linebacker Cameron Smith is glad he doesnt have to pick.Id say it is pretty close, but thats all I can say, Smith said. They got a tough one tonight.Cornerback Adoree Jackson used the same line about jersey numbers as Hawkins, leading the safety to declare he came up with the joke. On a more serious note, Hawkins is optimistic about the quarterback position regardless of whether Browne or Darnold wins the job.But whoever it is I have confidence in both of the guys, Hawkins said. I think they will get it done no matter what. ' ' '