Former Falcon defensive end Rick Bryan dies

Atlanta Falcons

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Rick Bryan died of a fatal heart attack at his home in Oklahoma

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. Above, Bryan talks with veteran Falcons center Jeff Van Note during his rookie season.

Rick Bryan and other Falcons trudge off the field after a game against the Raiders.

Bryan strived to become a better pass rusher on a Falcons team that struggled during the mid-1980s. He was accustomed to winning at Oklahoma.

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. Above, Bryan in 1989.

Bryan, here practicing with the Falcons, was a three-time All-Big 8 selection and a two-time All-American. He holds the Oklahoma University record for tackles by a lineman with 365. In an interview with The Oklahoman last summer, Bryan said he weighed about 325 pounds and was 75 pounds overweight. Bryan, who ranched and farmed more than 1,000 acres outside Coweta, said he tried to lose weight.

"Rick was a warrior," Falcons All-Pro tackle Mike Kenn said when Bryan retired. "That's what made him such a good football player."

"No one outworked him," Former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer said of Bryan to the Tulsa World. "I just wish he had played on a national championship team. He had it all."

Bryan became a part-time assistant coach at Coweta, Okla., after his playing career ended, and he told the Tulsa World he was doing exactly what he wanted to do. "This is my hometown, and football has given me everything I wanted," he said. "I'm giving back as much as I can. I'm just a guy who grew up out on a farm and got lucky and got 10 years of pro football. The Lord has taken care of me, and he has let me do what I want with my life."

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Former Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Rick Bryan died of a fatal heart attack at his home in Oklahoma Saturday. Here he tackles Stump Mitchell of the Cardinals in 1986.

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