5 of Buddy Ryan's most memorable moments
The football world said goodbye to one of its most legendary characters on Tuesday.
Most noted for building the virtually-unstoppable 1985 Chicago Bears defense, former coach Buddy Ryan passed away Tuesday at the age of 82.
While Ryan struggled for success as a head coach, he always wore his heart on his sleeve and was an inspiration to his players.
His brash, take-no-prisoners style and sense of humor provided some truly memorable moments that will help keep his memory alive for years to come.
Carried off with Ditka after Super Bowl XX
Right behind Mike Ditka, the 85 Bears made sure to carry Buddy Ryan off the field after winning the Super Bowl #rip pic.twitter.com/eZLwHkpcjG
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) June 28, 2016
Mike Ditka, Buddy Ryan, and the city of Chicago have each only won a single Super Bowl, all as part of the legendary '85 Bears.
Ryan split ways with Bears after winning Super Bowl XX and constructing the famed '46 defense, becoming head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Following their dominant championship win over the Patriots, Ryan was carried off the field by his players alongside Ditka, an honor typically reserved for head coaches only.
Calling a fake kneel down
Show some respect? Buddy Ryan laughs at your respect.
Ryan called one of the most unheard of plays in NFL history as coach of the Eagles: A fake kneel down.
Ryan surprised the Dallas Cowboys by faking a knee with Randall Cunningham and calling a streak to the end zone, which earned a pass interference penalty. The Eagles ran in a one-yard score on the next play to win 37-20, Cowboys fans have been sour about it ever since.
Punching Kevin Gilbride in the face
In honor of the great Buddy Ryan passing, he's him punching his own coordinator in the face #RIP pic.twitter.com/TAvqIoOYlM
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) June 28, 2016
After his brash style wore out in Philly, Ryan spent one season as the defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers. While he did his job with 25 years of NFL experience under his belt, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride was in his first season as a coordinator.
Gilbride's run-and-shoot offensive style didn't give much time for Ryan's defense to rest, so Buddy tried to give the young coach some rest of his own on the sideline of a 1994 playoff game.
Bears players ask Halas to keep Ryan
On December 9th 1981, #Bears players wrote George Halas a letter asking the team to keep Buddy Ryan.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 28, 2016
Here it is. pic.twitter.com/a38tw7Qv79
As much as Ryan has been praised for his coordinating of great defensive strategies, the impact he had on his players outside of football and the ability to inspire, will be what those close to him will remember most.
The Bears struggled to win games in Ryan's first few seasons in Chicago, but he earned the respect of his players on a daily basis. So much so, that his defense wrote a letter to Bears owner George Halas, pleading with him to keep Ryan when rumors swirled of a potential departure after the 1981 season.
Ryan resents being called 'fat' after Bounty Bowl
Perhaps the best depiction of Ryan's character and sense of humor.
Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson said Ryan "put his big fat rear end into the dressing room" after the Eagles reportedly put bounties on some Cowboys' players.
Ryan responded as only he could.