Advertisement

NFL reflects on Buddy Ryan

Sad day in Tennessee
Sad day in Tennessee

When I woke this morning and turned on my television, news had already broken about the passing of two coaching legends; Pat Summitt, the legendary women’s basketball coach at Tennessee, and Buddy Ryan: NFL head coach, mastermind of the 46 defense, and all around curmudgeon.

Both legends of their craft.

Both also leave their respective games better.

For Buddy Ryan, someone I wasn’t much a fan of, you had the kind of coach you may not have liked, but you respected the hell out of, and you wouldn’t mind have coaching your defense.

While head coaching wasn’t his calling card, it isn’t that which players and fans will remember him for.

What I heard this morning and throughout this day, was an unwavering loyalty and profound affection from players who loved the man.

That can’t be understated or said enough.


AROUND COVER32

Twitter Tuesday: The NFL says good-bye to Buddy Ryan

Madden Monday: Drafting your connected franchise

Fantasy Friday: Five players whose stock is rising

Throwback Thursday: The great LaDainian Tomlinson


Love him or hate him, his players would run through a brick wall for him. And more than anything, the level of loyalty he showed for his players and coaches, came back to him tenfold.

As surly and unlikeable as he appeared to be, his players bought into what he brought to his teams.

They also bought into the man.

It’s odd, isn’t it, to lose two coaches more opposite in personality than Pat Summitt and Buddy Ryan on the same day.

Yet as different as they were, their players turned out in full force to offer not just the same condolences, but also words of affection, affirmation, and a genuine love and respect for their respective coaches.

I’ve always been told to live your life in a manner that you would want your headstone to read.

While I don’t know what theirs may say, expect loyal, loved, and respected to be featured prominently.

We should all want that on ours, too.

The post NFL reflects on Buddy Ryan appeared first on Cover32.