Notable deaths, July 2009
Rick Bryan: March 20, 1962 -- July 25 --- Bryan was a former Atlanta Falcons, the team's ninth pick in the 1984 NFL draft. He was an All-American at the University of Oklahoma, his home state. He owns the school record for career tackles (365) by a defensive lineman. Bryan was advised to retire from the NFL in 1989 after he was diagnosed with a spinal nerve injury. However, he continued to play and started 19 of 34 games over the next three seasons. He died from a heart attack. AJC file photo
