Rex Ryan: Dad of Jets' Coach to Attend Game Before Surgery

The New York Jets-Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday night in New York will be an emotional moment for the Ryan brothers.

Rex Ryan, head coach of the Jets, and Rob Ryan, defensive coordinator of the Cowboys, will not only direct their respective teams on Sept. 11, 10 years since the attacks, they will also be coaching in front of their dad, Buddy Ryan, a cancer survivor who is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday for cancer in his glands that has spread to his neck.

This marks the fifth time Buddy, 80, has been diagnosed with cancer after battling through the disease for years. He's already overcome melanoma twice, encephalitis and an undisclosed form of cancer in the spring.

Said Rob, via ESPN:

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"He knows this is a big thing for him and a big thing for the Ryans. He's about the only guy who's beat cancer about every time. He's been through it about four or five times so I'm sure the prognosis is great for him because he always wins."

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So, while the Ryans coach before an an emotional New York crowd on Sunday night, they will not only be saying prayers for the victims of 9/11, but also for their father, a former NFL coach himself.

Perhaps, the most difficult thing for the Ryans on Sunday will be to stay focused with so much emotion surrounding them and so much to play for.

But they will battle through it, as we all have since the Sept. 11 attacks, and Buddy will be right there cheering them on.

As I watch the Ryans on TV during the national anthem before the game, Rex's eyes are dancing; one can only imagine what he's thinking.

As for Rob, his eyes are fiery, perhaps teary-eyed, looking boldly forward as American flags surround him throughout the stadium.

Whatever the outcome of the Jets-Cowboys game tonight, this is bigger than a mere game. This is about pushing forward when so much threatens to derail you.

Whatever the outcome on Sunday, America is all in this together.