Former Falcons defensive lineman Rick Bryan passed away over the weekend.
Tales of Bryan’s trademark toughness still circulate around his hometown of Cowetta, Okla. and the NFL. He was a two-time All-American in college, the ninth-overall pick in the 1984 NFL Draft and a Falcons defensive tackle and end for nine seasons.
He was a regular starter for the Birds and fought through countless injuries, sometimes ignoring doctors’ requests to leave the game before his time.
Bryan led the Falcons in sacks in 1985 (7.5) and 1986 (7). He ranks 10th on the all-time team record list with 30.5 career sacks in Atlanta (tied with current defensive end John Abraham).
“Rick was one of the typical tough, no-nonsense players produced by Barry Switzer’s Oklahoma teams in the 1980s,” said Frank Kleha, the Falcons senior director of media relations. “Because he did his work in the trenches he was not a big household name with the Falcons. But he will always be remembered by our fans, his Falcon teammates and coaches for the way he played the game.”
Former Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer told the Tulsa World Bryan was a “great, great player.”
“No one outworked him,” Switzer told the World. “I just wish he had played on a national championship team. He had it all.”
“Rick was a warrior,” Tackle and Ring of Honor member Mike Kenn said when Bryan retired. “That’s what made him such a good football player.”
Bryan is survived by his wife, two daughers, son, mother, sister and two brothers, who also played at Oklahoma.
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8 Comments
Shame to see someone go so young.
i agree
I remember Rick well, particularly his work ethic. So young, gone way too soon. RIP Rick and prayers to your family, friends, and OU and Falcons families.
This is a very sad day….This fella was one of the nicest fellas you could meet. He was always very kind to the kids visitng Camp in Suwanee, and to I and my family…… He was a very good player, and worked hard to be the best….just a very likable guy….
Yes God bless this young man, and his family, and family of families….
This hits hard….
The example of the good die young.
Rick Bryan was a very good player for the Falcons. He did everything the team ever asked him to do. He was a member of the team that gave the Redskins all they could handle in the playoffs at RFK stadium, during that mud bowl game. The Redskins demolished every team they played on the way to winning the Superbowl, except us. They barely beat us. I remember the team changed the words to the song, “Hail to the Redskins,” to “Hell with the Redskins” in the Superdome visiting locker room after beating the Saints the week before in the wild card playoff game. I think Rick Bryan was one of the Falcons most responsible for changing the words of the song.
God bless his family and comfort them.
A co-worker of mine grew up with him and said Rick use to bail hay with one hand and throw 2 bails at the end of each load on to the trailor. Something very hard to do with two hands, let alone just one. A great player and a real hard worker. May god bless and keep him, and look over his family.
God bless.