n it, but Im questioning it. Dennis was one of the good guys. To be taken like that, it actually pisses me off. Its sad and its frustrating and Im an

Some of Dennis Byrds former New York Jets teammates believe he may have suffered from CTE, and at least two of them have suggested to his widow that she donate his brain to the Boston University clinic that studies the brain disease.Byrd, 50, was killed Saturday in a two-car collision about 30 miles outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. His football career ended in 1992, when he was temporarily paralyzed due to a broken neck.For years, Byrds former teammates had expressed concern about his behavior. He became detached from his closest friends on the team, not returning calls or messages. They also became aware of strife in his personal life.We were talking to (his wife) Angie, and we think it would be a good idea to have his brain donated, former teammate Marvin Washington said Monday in a phone interview. To me, it seems like a classic case of CTE, with the mood swings and behavioral issues.That wasnt the Dennis I know and loved; it was the disease he had. Im just trying to connect the dots. If you look back at Dave Duerson and Junior Seau, those were good guys, too, but they were human on and off the field.Another former teammate, Jeff Lageman, also suspected CTE.Its entered my mind because of how detached he became, Lageman said by phone. But I also know that was Dennis anyway. Even in the early years, he isolated a little. Later on, he definitely got to the farther end of it.Is (CTE) possible? Yeah, maybe its possible, he added. But I dont know.Byrds wife, Angela, couldnt be reached for comment.Drafted in 1989, Byrd played the defensive line for three-plus seasons in the NFL. On Nov. 29, 1992, he collided with teammate Scott Mersereau while trying to sack Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Dave Krieg.Byrd suffered significant damage to his upper spine, but he regained the ability to walk -- albeit with a pronounced limp -- and he became an inspirational story. After a few years in the limelight -- he was a motivational speaker and a color analyst for CBS -- he retreated to a quiet life in his native Oklahoma.Aside from an emotional speech to the Jets on the eve of a playoff win in January 2011, and an appearance at MetLife Stadium in 2012 to have his number retired, Byrd lost touch with the organization.Teammates expressed frustration over the years because they couldnt reach him. The frustration turned to concern.I dont want to take away from who Dennis Byrd was -- he was a light, he was good energy -- but players go through things, said Washington, who played 11 years and plans to donate his brain to research. Whatever struggles he was going through, Id like to connect the dots.On Saturday, Byrd was pronounced dead at the scene due to massive injuries. A 17-year-old from Claremore, Oklahoma, was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer northbound on Oklahoma 88 and veered into the oncoming lane, striking the Hummer H2 driven by Byrd, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.Byrd was accompanied by his 12-year-old, Zach, who underwent surgery to repair a broken leg, according to family friends. Despite their detachment from Byrd, his former teammates were overcome with shock and sadness upon hearing the news.The best way to describe Dennis is, if he could come back and talk to one person, hed want to talk to that 17-year-old, Lageman said. Hed tell (the other drive) that hes not angry and that, Hey, its OK. Thats the greatest statement anyone could say about Dennis.His first concern would be his son, his second would be his family, making sure theyre OK. His next concern would be for that young person. That tells you what type of person he was.Washington added, If it comes out that he had CTE, why? Why? He was such a good person. ... To die this way, after what happened in 1992, he didnt deserve this. He deserved a full life. Its not for me to question it, but Im questioning it. Dennis was one of the good guys. To be taken like that, it actually pisses me off. Its sad and its frustrating and Im angry.The Jets are formulating plans to honor Byrds memory during the home game Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Jaire Alexander Womens Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Dave Robinson Packers Jersey .ca! Hi Kerry, Its another day and here we are looking at another dubious hit to the head. In this case Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky elbowed Saku Koivu in the head about a second after he dished off the puck to a teammate, knocking him unconscious. http://www.shoptheofficialpackers.com/Elite-Dexter-Williams-Packers-Jersey/ . Capitals head coach Adam Oates said Ovechkin was injured in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and clarified it was not a head injury. Dexter Williams Packers Jersey .Y. -- Sabres forward Drew Stafford has witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo. Elgton Jenkins Jersey . -- Edmontons Val Sweeting is two wins away from a trip to Winnipeg to play in Canadas Road of the Rings in December. HIGHLIGHTS FROM ROUND 18 IN THE AFLTHEY SAID IT: It is a devastating night for many reasons ... Its a traumatic night and itll test us, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge talks about how upset his players are after Mitch Wallis suffered a broken leg during Saturdays loss to St Kilda.STATS THAT MATTER: 66-37. That was the inside-50 count won by Melbourne, who dominated all the key statistics but fell six points short of West Coast in Perth. It is just the fourth time since 1998 that a side has been belted so comprehensively in inside-50s but won.MAN OF THE ROUND: Sam Menegola. Tallied 26 possessions on debut to help Geelong record a 30-point win over Adelaide. The 24-year-old was forced to wait a long time for his chance, having previously been on the rookie list of Hawthorn and Fremantle.KEY MOMENT: Callum Mills claims an intercept mark in the final minute of a tight clash at the SCG. The youngster helps run down the clock - something Sydney havent excelled at this year - to ensure the Swans record a six-point win and survive an almighty scare from Carlton.TALKING POINT: Hawthorns homesick speedster Brad Hill flew to Perth and had a meeting with Fremantle coach Ross Lyon last week. The Hawks were aware and had no issue, which was in sharp contrast with Liin Jongs visit to Collingwood earlier this year.dddddddddddd How much AFL culture has changed when it comes to players seeking a change of clubs.TRIBUNAL WATCH: The match review panel will closely examine a feisty Friday night clash between Collingwood and North Melbourne. Travis Varcoe could be in trouble for a jumper punch, while Jesse White could be in trouble for an off-the-ball hit on Jack Ziebell.KEY INJURIES: B Sinclair (Collingwood, concussion), M Rosa (Gold Coast, hamstring), C Curnow (Carlton, knee), N Jetta (Melbourne, knee), C Cameron (Adelaide, knee), D Talia (Adelaide, hip), T Walker (Adelaide, ankle), D Morris (Western Bulldogs, hamstring), J Redpath (Western Bulldogs, knee), M Wallis (Western Bulldogs, broken leg), J Daniher (Essendon, teeth).WHATS NEXT: Two matches in round 19 will be more meaningful than the rest. Geelong host the Bulldogs on Friday night, while St Kildas bid to snatch a spot in the finals will be significantly bolstered if they can defeat North Melbourne on Saturday. Plenty of players will celebrate milestones, none more astonishing than the AFL games record that will be claimed by Brent Harvey. ' ' '