Wednesday, March 23, 2011
12:28 p.m.
By Angie Wiatrowski
CSNChicago.com
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan told the New York Daily News Wednesday that his father, former Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Rex was not specific about what type of cancer his father was diagnosed with, only that it is a different form of cancer than the melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) he has beaten twice.
Its going to take more than this to get rid of him, Rex told the New York Daily News. Thats what he always says. Hes tougher than (s---).
He seemed optimistic Tuesday that his father will battle his way through this latest health scare. Hes had other things in his life, Rex said. He overcame encephalitis. Hes overcome cancer twice. Hes tough.
Buddy's coaching career spanned three decades, but he is mostly known as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator between 1978-1985, before a five-year stint as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL
Buddy is still the only assistant coach ever carried off the field by his players after a Super Bowl. This being with the Bears following the 1985 season.