National Football League

Former players pay respects to defensive whiz Buddy Ryan

Published Jul. 1, 2016 7:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (AP) Buddy Ryan was remembered not just as a defensive master who won two Super Bowls and spawned a legacy carried on by players and twin sons now coaching in the NFL.

He also motivated players with a gruff but caring approach that helped them succeed on the field and in life. Ryan had his players' backs no matter how tough and demanding he seemed, a loyalty noted and reciprocated by many of his pupils who traveled far to pay their respects Friday.

Former players from several teams Ryan coached said their formal goodbyes to the defensive mastermind, who died Tuesday at 85. Notably present were several members of the 1985 Chicago Bears, who won the Super Bowl thanks to the dominant 46 defense coordinated by Ryan.

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