Adrian Fedkiw
Known for his blitz-heavy defensive style and brash personality, Buddy Ryan was a unique character that was revered by Philadelphia during his five-year stint with the Eagles.
Ryan, the innovator of the 46 defense, went 43-35-1 as a head coach in Philly from 1986-1990.
The Twitter world reacted to Ryan’s death Tuesday morning.
R.I.P Buddy Ryan! May we ever celebrate the stamp that you've put on this game and on the lives of the players you've coached! #Respect 🙌🏾
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) June 28, 2016
#RIP Pat Summit & Buddy Ryan, architects of their prospective sports. They epitomized hard work & tenacity. I pray Peace over their families
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 28, 2016
#RipBuddyRyan thx 4 being my first defensive influence. The #NFL has lost another defensive innovator. #46Defense
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) June 28, 2016
RIP Buddy Ryan – Our thoughts and prayers go to the Ryan family – We thank them for sharing Buddy with us @Eagles fans
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) June 28, 2016
RIP Buddy Ryan and Pat Summit. Prayers to their families. You both were innovators and phenomenal teachers. Rest in Power 🙏🏾
— Brandon Brooks (@bbrooks_79) June 28, 2016
RIP to one of the best coaches to EVER coach the game, Buddy Ryan. The game will miss you and most importantly THE PEOPLE.
— 2 (@RonBrooks33) June 28, 2016
Thoughts & prayers to the families of Pat Summitt & Buddy Ryan. Legendary coaches and true champions whose legacies will last!
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) June 28, 2016
"Buddy was such an integral part of the @ChicagoBears."
Mike Ditka on Buddy Ryan's football legacy. #RIPBuddy https://t.co/ftwE7O7bHc
— NFL (@NFL) June 28, 2016
Buddy Ryan's '85 #Bears defense was the greatest I've ever seen. At any aspect of any sport. Could've punted on 1st down and gone 8-8. #RIP
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) June 28, 2016
Bears chairman George McCaskey called Buddy Ryan "the architect of the greatest defense our league has seen.Our prayers are with his family"
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 28, 2016
As a QB knew you were in for a long day & a lot of bruises when facing a Buddy Ryan coached defense…a defensive genius. Prayers w family.
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) June 28, 2016
The always candid Buddy Ryan. pic.twitter.com/vQZVD84TfE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 28, 2016
"Without Buddy, I'm just a guy." – Mike Singletary https://t.co/J5XjA1DlBe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 28, 2016
Didn't achieve championship-level success in Philly but Buddy Ryan sure made it fun to be an Eagles fan in late 80s. RIP Buddy.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) June 28, 2016
Buddy Ryan has passed!!! He coach some the best defense's I faced. Praying 4 both the Ryan & Summitt families.
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) June 28, 2016
I celebrate 2day the life of James David "Buddy" Ryan! Thank U coach for believing in me when others didnt! #RIPMyFriend #We'llMissU #ALLOUT
— Seth Joyner (@sethjoyner) June 28, 2016
Statement from #Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey on the passing of Buddy Ryan: pic.twitter.com/fXTWLkJQO9
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 28, 2016
RIP to both Pat Summit and Ryan.