Former Jets defensive star, Dennis Byrd, was killed in a car crash.

Police in Byrd's home state of Oklahoma say he died after another car veered into an oncoming lane and collided with his car.

Byrd played defensive end for the Jets for four seasons, getting his start in 1989 and racking up 27 sacks over the next three seasons.

His career came to a sudden end when he broke his neck during a game in 1992.

Byrd was left temporarily paralyzed, but was able to walk back on the same field in the Jets 1993 season-opener to accept the 'Dennis Byrd Award'.

That award is now given annually to the Jets' Most Inspirational Player.

He had his number '90' retired in 2012.

Dennis Byrd was 50-years-old.