BESSEMER, AL (WBMA) — Today was an emotional and joy filled day for the city of Bessemer, as hometown hero and Bessemer legend Demeco Ryans was honored with a street named in his honor.
Hundreds gathered on 2305 Fairfax Ave on Thursday, July 3, to witness the unveiling of the street, now named Demeco Ryans Street.
Ryans’ joined by his family and former neighbors, the Bessemer City High School Football team, church leaders, and teachers, shared laughs and words with the Bessemer community.
“This street may carry my name but it represents the journey, the support, and the shared work of so many.”
During his speech, he recounted tales of his time in Bessemer, remembering his times running through the streets to his playing days at school, and all of the neighbors that helped him in his upbringing.
“I had a village here on Fairfax… a lot of great people, a lot of great friendships, just a lot of support, and I will always remember Bessemer for that support.”
Demeco Ryans is the head coach of the Houston Texans in the National Football League. Ryans is regarded as one of the best young coaches in the NFL, known for his work that turned the struggling Texans into one of the most formidable teams in the NFL.
But before, Ryans became a NFL head coach, Bessemer was his hometown.
Ryans, born in Bessemer, Alabama, attended Jess Lanier High School (now Bessemer City High School), where he was a star student-athlete.
Ryans attended the University of Alabama where he was a three time All-SEC player, and a Unanimous All American. In his 9-year NFL career, Ryans was NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2006), Second Team All-Pro (2007), a two-time Pro Bowl selectee (2007, 2009), and he led the NFL in tackles in 2006.