Former Falcon Bryan dead at 47
Former Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Rick Bryan died of a fatal heart attack at his home in Oklahoma Saturday.
Bryan, 47, was a two-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma and was selected by the Falcons with the ninth pick in the 1984 NFL draft. While with the Falcons, Bryan was advised to retire in 1989 after he was diagnosed with a spinal nerve injury. However, he continued to play and started 19 of 34 games over the next three seasons.
“No one outworked him,” Former Oklahoma coach Switzer said of Bryan to the Tulsa World. “I just wish he had played on a national championship team. He had it all.”
Among survivors include his wife, Shelby; son Mike, who is an All-Conference USA linebacker at the University of Tulsa; and two daughters, Jenni and Kristin. Bryan’s funeral service is set for Thursday at 10 a.m. in Coweta, Okla. and the Wright Funeral Home (210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Okla. 74429) is handling the services.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
