Byrd was killed in a car accident near Claremore, Oklahoma, on October 15, 2016, 10 days after his 50th birthday.

Byrd started for the Golden Hurricane defense for four seasons, registering 321 tackles and 20 quarterback sacks.

College Football News selected Byrd as an All-American honorable mention after his senior season, where he had 108 tackles, 11 sacks, and 35 quarterback hurries.

[10] Byrd suffered a neck injury during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 29, 1992.

[13] After extensive physical therapy, Byrd walked again, but could no longer return to playing football.

[14] Byrd returned to the Meadowlands for the Jets' home opener on September 5, 1993, walking to midfield as an honorary captain for the coin toss.

Ryan was so moved by this that he invited him to come out and personally address the team prior to the Patriots game.

[2][20] Byrd was killed at approximately 11:15 a.m. on October 15, 2016, in a two-vehicle collision on Oklahoma State Highway 88 between Claremore and Oologah.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol report, a 17-year-old driver from Claremore veered his Ford Explorer into the oncoming lane, colliding with Byrd's Hummer H2.