ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.
He dreamed of being an NFL defensive back just like his father, Gill Byrd, a two-time Pro Bowl selection during a 10-year career with San Diego.
As a youngster, Byrd would audition for the role. He’d put on a Chargers helmet and pretend to be his dad.
Some 20 years later, the Byrd family legacy for producing top-tier defensive backs has entered its second generation.
The 2009 second-round pick out of Oregon leads Buffalo with four interceptions and three forced fumbles. He’s particularly developed a knack for making game-changing plays on a 4-6 team still believes it can make a second-half playoff push. One that resumes at Indianapolis (6-4) Sunday.
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Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL
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