Rex Ryan lands safely after jump with Army's Golden Knights

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan participated in a tandem skydive Friday with the United States Army Golden Knights parachute team, jumping from about 9,000 feet and landing safely in a grassy area.

"I like living," Ryan said. "I just like doing stuff like this, a little thrill seeking. It beats going to a state park, I think."

The Golden Knights asked Ryan to participate in the tandem jump before their weekend air show at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base. It was the first time that Ryan, the former Jets coach who was hired by the Bills in January, has jumped from a plane.

"You guys need to do it," Ryan said afterward. "Unless you do it, I don't think people can do it justice on how to describe it."

Asked whether he would allow players to skydive two weeks before training camp, Ryan responded, "No. Because see, for me, that's fine. Even if I would have broken a leg or something, it doesn't matter. All I do is point.

"I don't have to play. So yeah, not recommended for the players. But for a coach, go for it."

Jets wide receiver Eric Decker, who played for Ryan last season, flew Friday morning with the Air Force Thunderbirds as part of the air show and was greeted by Ryan when he stepped out of his jet.