NFL players, coaches react to Buddy Ryan’s death

NFL players, coaches and teams shared tributes to Buddy Ryan on social media after the news of his death.

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Longtime NFL coach Buddy Ryan has died at the age of 82, his agent confirmed on Tuesday.

Ryan became renowned for the defensive philosophy that made him a two-time Super Bowl champion, with the New York Jets in Super Bowl III and with Mike Ditka’s Chicago Bears at Super Bowl XX.

Over his 26 seasons of coaching in the NFL, Ryan spent time on the defensive staff for the Jets, Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Houston Oilers. He later worked as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, where he amassed a 55–55–1 record.

Upon hearing the news of his death, many NFL players, coaches and teams shared their tributes to Ryan on social media.

• SMITH: Buddy Ryan has inspired both love and hate

Buddy Ryan has passed!!! He coach some the best defense's I faced. Praying 4 both the Ryan & Summitt families.

— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) June 28, 2016

Just heard the news of Buddy Ryan may he rest in paradise. It's a sad day for the Ryan Family. God bless. .

— COACH ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) June 28, 2016

#RIP Pat Summit & Buddy Ryan, architects of their prospective sports. They epitomized hard work & tenacity. I pray Peace over their families

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 28, 2016

Legendary coach, loving father.
The Bills mourn the passing of Buddy Ryan.

Team statement: https://t.co/3kTHvjbSgq pic.twitter.com/sJIZJDrxAb

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 28, 2016

Rest in peace, Buddy Ryan.

Our thoughts & condolences are with the Ryan family. pic.twitter.com/aheK650mdm

— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 28, 2016

RIP coach Buddy Ryan. I had the privilege of playing for both his sons. #85BEARSd pic.twitter.com/vNeOJ3O0YL

— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) June 28, 2016

RIP Buddy Ryan. #Bears 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/F6Alfpnpfn

— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) June 28, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of two very inspiring coaches: Pat Summitt & Buddy Ryan.

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 28, 2016

Our hearts go out this morning to the families and friends of two sports legends and innovators, Pat Summitt and Buddy Ryan.

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) June 28, 2016

pic.twitter.com/V9Xvjqufzk

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 28, 2016

R.I.P Buddy Ryan! May we ever celebrate the stamp that you've put on this game and on the lives of the players you've coached! #Respect 🙌🏾

— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) June 28, 2016

My prayers to the Ryan family #restinparadisebuddy

— Muhammad Wilkerson (@mowilkerson) June 28, 2016

WOW wanna send my prayers and thoughts to both Summitt and Ryan's can't imagine what those families are feeling. #TWOLEGENDS #VOLS #BEARS

— CJ SPILLER (@CJSPILLER) June 28, 2016

"Buddy was such an integral part of the @ChicagoBears."

Mike Ditka on Buddy Ryan's football legacy. #RIPBuddy https://t.co/ftwE7O7bHc

— NFL (@NFL) June 28, 2016

#RipBuddyRyan thx 4 being my first defensive influence. The #NFL has lost another defensive innovator. #46Defense

— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) June 28, 2016

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Ryan family this morning. Rest in paradise Buddy...

— Billy (@snacks) June 28, 2016

Wow R.I.P Buddy Ryan

— DeMarcus Van Dyke (@Coach_DVD) June 28, 2016

RIP Coach https://t.co/PXZCGf77Rd

— FABIAN WASHINGTON (@FABEWASH31) June 28, 2016

Damn RIP Pat Summit and Buddy Ryan 😞

— Terren (@OTeeJay_) June 28, 2016

Ryan’s son Rex is the head coach of the Bills, while his son Rob is an assistant coach on Rex’s staff.