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Former NFL coach and defensive guru Buddy Ryan died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
He was 82.
Buddy Ryan is the father of NFL coach’s Rex and Rob Ryan, both now with the Buffalo Bills. Rex is the head coach, Rob an assistant.
Buddy Ryan had two stints as a head coach — with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals — but is arguably best known as being the architect for the Chicago Bears stifling defenses from 1978-1985.
Keep reading to see the Twitter reactions to Buddy Ryan’s death:
“Without Buddy, I’m just a guy.” – Mike Singletary t.co/J5XjA1DlBe
Legendary coach, loving father.
The Bills mourn the passing of Buddy Ryan.
Team statement: t.co/3kTHvjbSgq
“Buddy was such an integral part of the @ChicagoBears.”
Mike Ditka on Buddy Ryan’s football legacy. #RIPBuddy t.co/ftwE7O7bHc
#RIP Pat Summit & Buddy Ryan, architects of their prospective sports. They epitomized hard work & tenacity. I pray Peace over their families
Buddy Ryan has passed!!! He coach some the best defense’s I faced. Praying 4 both the Ryan & Summitt families.
Just heard the news of Buddy Ryan may he rest in paradise. It’s a sad day for the Ryan Family. God bless. .
Rest in peace, Buddy Ryan.
Our thoughts & condolences are with the Ryan family.
July can’t get here fast enough.
In June we have lost:
Muhammad Ali
Gordie Howe
Pat Summitt
Buddy Ryan
RIP to legendary Bears DC Buddy Ryan.
Ryan died at age 82.
Buddy Ryan among greatest defensive coaches ever. Recall @TroyAikman telling me he had injury insurance all but 2 games – vs Ryan’s Eagles
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 🙌🏾
RIP coach Buddy Ryan. I had the privilege of playing for both his sons. #85BEARSd
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.
I didn’t know Buddy Ryan personally but I personally experienced the mark of his defensive genius on the #NFL
#RIPBuddyRyan @nflnetwork
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Buddy Ryan Dead: Twitter Reactions to the Coach’s Death