New York Jets

Jets must channel their inner Dennis Byrd

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New York Jets aren’t just fighting to salvage their season at this point in time but should channel their inner Dennis Byrd to ignite one heck of a comeback.

Losing is gut-wrenching. It’s such a feeling of frustration and despair that can question the loyalty of fans in even bothering to root for the New York Jets. But every year, we still tune in, listen on the radio, and proudly wear our Jets gear every chance we get.

Over the weekend, Jets Nation suffered a huge loss to our family. Legendary defensive lineman Dennis Byrd was killed in a car accident. The man that suffered a life-changing injury, once told he’d never walk again yet proved everyone wrong and did, passed away out of nowhere.

While growing up, I was a young kid during the height of Byrd’s career. I do remember his unfortunate injury however and was shocked when he was able to walk again. Even though his potentially great football career was cut short, he provided inspiration to legions of people all across the globe.

Even those that aren’t even Jets fans grew to love his determination and ability to overcome the obstacle of being able to walk again after his horrific injury. If there was any time for the Jets to ignite their inner Byrd, that time is now.

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Of course one can’t compare what Byrd overcame to what the Jets are currently dealing with now, but this should undoubtedly inspire this team to play smart, harder, and more focused.

Byrd will forever embody the spirit of the Jets. It’s a spirit that is tough as nails, gritty, and willing to do whatever it takes to win again for the city that never sleeps.

So far this season, the Jets look flat, emotionless, and are lacking that fire in their belly. It’s embarrassing to see this team go through what they have been and not have anyone rallying up the troops to bring back some kind of respectability.

The time is now for the Jets to turn things around. Besides their loyal fans, the Jets need to go back and remember everything Bryd went through. Put things in perspective that the very uniform they’re putting on before game time stands for much more than a franchise.

It’s about never giving up. Never allowing a culture of losing to permanently set the tone after just the first quarter of the season. It’s about remembering everything Byrd went through and looking deep down into yourself and not accepting anything but doing whatever it takes to win. I truly hope the soul of Bryd rests in peace and knows that his spirit will live on for eternity.

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