DeMeco Ryanson, a former Alabama All-American, was honored Thursday by the City of Bessemer with a roadway dedicated in his honor at 2305 Fairfax Ave.
The NFL coach joked: I suppose I finally found the road to success after installing a sign that reads, Fairfax Avenue dedicated in honor of DeMeco Ryans.
Ryans, a standout high school athlete at Bessemer’s Jess Lanier, spent ten seasons as an NFL middle linebacker after his Crimson Tide career before going into teaching.
At the dedication event, Ryan remarked, “I am so honored and humbled to have a street named after me.” There is more to this appreciation than words can convey. I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen. Even though this street has my name, it symbolizes the path, the encouragement, and the labor of many people, beginning with my parents. I appreciate all of the effort and sacrifice you have made for me, since it has enabled them to buy a house here and raise us here.
I still clearly recall playing basketball and football in the center of the road as I ran up and down these streets. Because cars move so quickly on this street, you have to be careful. Growing up here was undoubtedly filled with many happy memories. I also want to express my gratitude to all of my amazing neighbors that came today. Our neighbors were fantastic. They would inform your parents about you, so you knew you couldn’t get into any trouble.
This merely demonstrates what is required. A village is needed to raise children, and I had one here in Fairfax. There were many wonderful times, wonderful people, wonderful connections, and just a lot of support. And I will never forget Bessemer’s assistance. I will always be grateful to all of you for your love and support. And it is really a great privilege to have this sign here now.
RELATED: DEMECO RYANS RETURNED HOME WITH THE COACHING ITCH IN BESSEMER
At Jess Lanier High School in 2001, Ryans was named an All-State linebacker. While maintaining the Purple Tigers’ heritage, Bessemer City took Jess Lanier’s place as the community’s high school when it opened in 2010.
Ryans left Jess Lanier to attend Alabama, where he won the Lott IMPACT Trophy for the 2005 season as a senior, was named a unanimous All-American, and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. When Alabama defeated Texas Tech 13–10 in the 2006 Cotton Bowl, he was named the Defensive MVP, capping his collegiate career.
Ryans, a two-time Pro Bowl pick for Houston and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award winner, was selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
After serving as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers for two years, Ryans rejoined the Texans as head coach. In his first season with Houston, Ryans was named the 2023 NFL Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Since Ryans took over as Houston’s coach, the Texans have won a postseason game every season and have a 20-14 regular-season record. The three seasons before to Ryans’ arrival saw the Texans win 11 games overall.
You have been a huge influence to all of the young men you see behind you as well as to us in this community. Kenneth E. Gulley, the mayor of Bessemer, stated on Thursday. We have followed your career from San Francisco to the Houston Texans and now back to the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as from Little League to Jess Lanier High School, the University of Alabama, and finally to the Houston Texans. And you have our utmost admiration.
The fact that you are so proud of Bessemer, Alabama, is what I am most proud of.
Ryans will speak at the 34th annual An Evening of Honor hosted by the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday at the Bessemer Civic Center at 5 p.m. CDT.
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Mark Inabinett works for Alabama Media Group as a sports writer. You may follow him at @AMarkG1 on X.
