I was chartered with the task of building up a semi-pro football team in the Idaho Falls area. It would be a pilot team in a newly forming Rocky Mountain Football League. The organizer, Matt Culbertson, had hoped that we could somehow get 6 teams started in the eastern Idaho area. We ended up with 4 teams, Chris was one of the star players for our Idaho Falls Mustangs.

Chris Byrd was more than just a superior athlete, he was a personality and a half! There was no one on that football team or any other that I have been associated with that cracked me up more than Chris Byrd. Far from humble, far from quiet, he was confident, maybe arrogant, but a team player to the end.

During the Mustangs first season, he was one of the teams true stars. He has speed, moves, hands and he could throw pretty well, too. Listed as a wide receiver, he spent time at tailback and played plenty of defense as well. Chris was one of those receivers that was, of course, "always open". During the final moments of a hard-fought win over the Dragons in which we struggled to come back from a 12-0 halftime deficit to lead 14-12 in the waning seconds as we had the ball, he was all over me to "just throw one Byrdy's way. Come 'on man, he ain't coverin for $h!t right now!!" Of course I just kneeled out the clock, but he was always wanting the ball!

Chris had another productive year in 1998 (the first year the Mustangs won the championship) after I finally became a decent quarterback, however, the emergence of Sean Powell as the league's elite receiving threat kept a lot of attention off of Chris. Chris, however, seemed satisfied with the activity he got, but maintained his "it's all about Byrd" attitude. In fact, in each of the three seasons he played, when the Mustangs held their annual "team award" voting, he always voted for himself as the team MVP! What a card, huh?

1998 Champion Mustangs. Chris Byrd lower right, next to his brother, Rodney Byrd (lower middle)

Chris entered the 1999 season very healthy, however, in the first game of the season, he turned his leg badly and strained something. He would continue to play the season out, but was a lot less effective and a lot slower than the "old Byrd".

In early spring of the 2000 season (we played in the summer that year), he was diagnosed with significant cancerous tissue all through his left (injured) leg and lungs.

The 2000 Mustangs dedicated their season to Chris and a speedy recovery. The many surgeries and chemo treatments seemed to be going well and we were all very hopeful. The local news station dedicated a special show to Chris and his battle with cancer. It was a hit all over the Mustangs camp. Many Mustangs even pre-recorded wishes for he that he saw as they taped the show. Chris wept.

Last summer, I had the priveledge of being invited to his wedding to his long-time girlfriend and biggest fan, Cheri. He looked great! He was walking as good as ever and as happy as a man could ever be! The last thing I said to him as I was going through his wedding "line" was "that he was looking great and at this rate, he will be playing football in two years!" He looked at Cheri even happier than ever and said, "did you hear what Neumeier said?!? He said I'd be ballin' in two years!!" She just smiled.

My friend Chris Byrd left us today. I love Chris Byrd and anyone who really knows him, I am sure does, too.

Although this world was much better place with Chris Byrd in it, the heavens are getting something very, very special.

Even more so, now I know I was right. Chris will most certainly be "ballin" wherever he is... and I am sure as he plays football in the great beyond with so many great players that have left this world... Unitis, Graham, Thorpe... He will be a star.

On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Football League, the Idaho Falls Mustangs and all of us that had the pleasure to play with Chris, to know Chris, to laugh with Chris... Tear 'em up Byrdy!!! Run like the wind!!!!