Article on Buddy's Retirement & sad story about his wife

PhillyPhreak54 · December 12, 2006, 02:04:39 AM

Article

QuoteRyan was known for his brashness, his brutal honesty and his sarcasm. He exuded a tough-guy aura, once throwing a punch at a fellow assistant coach during a nationally televised game.

"He didn't just want to beat someone," Sports Illustrated senior writer Paul Zimmerman said. "He wanted to beat them up."

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher played for Ryan in Chicago and was an assistant under Ryan with the Eagles. He admits Ryan could be difficult but said there were tender moments.

"There would be times when he would pitch a fit on the sidelines even in a win," Fisher said. "Then when the game was over he'd grab your infant son out of your hands and walk down the hall with him. There was a real soft, passionate side to Buddy."

QuoteRyan keeps his hand in it, rising typically at 5 a.m. to clean the stalls and feed the horses, including Fired For Winning and Bayside Girl.

The first name is a reference to Ryan's expulsion from the Philadelphia Eagles' head coaching job after three straight playoff appearances from 1988-90.

QuoteFriends and relatives of the Ryans said it has taken an emotional toll on Ryan. He is quieter, and carries about him a sense of sadness.

I remember a couple of years ago WIP had Buddy in for a show. It was great to listen to and you could tell how much that meant to him to be able to come back here and be embraced like that. I felt a little sadness for him because it seemed like he was alone and being here meant so much to him. Now I know why it seemed like he was alone.

Buddy had his flaws. His laissez-fair approach to the offense and not winning in the playoffs are what will haunt his legacy. But I feel bad for him because of what is going on with his wife. He will always be a larger than life figure here because of his attitude and his hatred for Dallas.

With Jeff Lurie seemingly looking to bring back old Eagles to reconnect like he did with Eric Allen as an honorary captain, I would love to see Buddy be one soon. Bring him back for a weekend and let him be the honorary captain. Let the fans give him one more ovation.

Susquehanna Birder · December 12, 2006, 09:09:38 AM

I remember seeing a fairly recent interview when he was asked about his infamous Cris Carter remark. While I knew the story, I figured that many did not...and it was good of him to respond. And it showed that caring side of him that didn't show when he was in the limelight.

Seabiscuit36 · December 12, 2006, 09:12:30 AM

Thats a tough read, having family members go thru alzheimers, i know how tough it is to deal with. The guy will forever be a hero in this town, good luck to him and his family.

ice grillin you · December 12, 2006, 09:17:00 AM

buddy is a god to me

in my top 4 or 5 all time philly sports people

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 12, 2006, 09:36:04 AM

Quote from: ice grillin you on December 12, 2006, 09:17:00 AM
buddy is a god to me

you and 95% of other Philly fans

T_Section224 · December 12, 2006, 09:42:52 AM

Quote from: FFatPatt on December 12, 2006, 09:36:04 AMyou and 95% of other Philly fans

i honestly don't know anyone who doesn't love buddy

DH · December 12, 2006, 09:44:23 AM

What a sad read.

Couldnt agree more, Jay....bring the guy back for one more weekend. Im getting chills thinking about the reaction he would receive.

Susquehanna Birder · December 12, 2006, 09:53:39 AM

Quote from: T_Section224 on December 12, 2006, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on December 12, 2006, 09:36:04 AMyou and 95% of other Philly fans
i honestly don't know anyone who doesn't love buddy

It's actually hard to explain that to people, though. His personality just rang true with people here. Win or lose, the people will more easily embrace you if you don't seem like you're full of shtein (hear that, Andy?).

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 12, 2006, 09:57:10 AM

Quote from: T_Section224 on December 12, 2006, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: FFatPatt on December 12, 2006, 09:36:04 AMyou and 95% of other Philly fans
i honestly don't know anyone who doesn't love buddy

The same 5% that don't love Buddy are the same 5% that are cool with Reno and Scott Young making the 53.

Quasimoto · December 12, 2006, 10:45:07 AM

Buddy was and still is the man. He's an all-time Philly great.

However, if Reid wins a Super Bowl he immediately shoots up the list. He won't so there's nothing to worry about.

Seabiscuit36 · December 12, 2006, 11:21:43 AM

Theres a difference from having a winning team and having a winning personality. Buddy made us happy even in a loss because the wanted the other team to limp off the field.

PhillyPhreak54 · December 12, 2006, 01:11:41 PM

Quote from: Die-Hard on December 12, 2006, 09:44:23 AM
What a sad read.

Couldnt agree more, Jay....bring the guy back for one more weekend. Im getting chills thinking about the reaction he would receive.

Me too. That would be excellent to see. I hope they do it. Eric Allen said that Lurie is making it a point to bridge the past and he said he had a great time here.

EA might be my favorite Eagle ever. Close call with Trot, Duce and Ike.