Gerard Warren Calls Rob Ryan a ‘Cool Dude,’ Recalls Coach’s ‘Crazy’ Stories Involving Rex Ryan

FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots defensive lineman Gerard Warren is looking forward to catching up with an old pal Sunday when the Cowboys visit Gillette Stadium.

Dallas defensive coordinator Rob Ryan — the brother of Jets head coach Rex Ryan — held the same position during two of Warren's seasons with the Raiders, and the two formed a bond, particularly when they hung out together on road trips.

"Cool dude, man, definitely a guy that I would hang with off the field," Warren said of Ryan. "Just his energy, some of his stories in conversation."

What were the stories? Well, apparently Rex Ryan came up a bit.

"Just always something about him and his brother, something crazy," Warren recalled. "I really can't recollect exact stories, but he had some good ones."

The Ryan brothers coach with a level of intensity that inspires their players, and Warren loved playing for Rob, who he called a "fun guy to play for."

"A lot of intensity, a real fired-up attitude, a real confidence builder," Warren said. "[He was] having the guys believe we're going to go out there and dominate on Sundays."