Rex Ryan Calls on Dennis Byrd to Give Jets Motivational Speech With Patriots Clash Looming

The Jets have done plenty of talking in the week leading up to Sunday's divisonal round throwdown with the Patriots. However, it was the talking behind closed doors on Saturday night that head coach Rex Ryan hopes makes all the difference.

According to ESPN.com, former Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd addressed the team on Saturday night. Byrd, who once thought to be an emerging force for the Jets had his career ended when he broke his neck during a game in 1992.

According to the report, Byrd spoke to the Jets about how he wished his career hadn't been taken from him, and that he always wished he could play in a game like thet Jets will play in on Sunday.

If wide receiver Braylon Edwards' tweets on Saturday night are any indication, the speech certainly didn't fall on deaf ears.

"I just heard the most inspirational message of my life from former jet Dennis Byrd, who suffered a career ending neck injury," Edwards tweeted. "As God is my witness I have never been more ready to perform in my life. Dennis Byrd I respect, salute, and honor you."