PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Jets’ Byrd Is Sitting Up, but Recovery ‘Uneventful’

Dennis Byrd, the New York Jets’ defensive lineman partially paralyzed in a game against Kansas City two weeks ago, sat up in a wheelchair for the first time on Tuesday.

The Jets said that Byrd, who is undergoing rehabilitation at a New York hospital, spent about 30 minutes sitting up. The team described his recovery as “uneventful” and said he will be transferred to spinal cord rehabilitation facilities in a few days.

“Dennis continues to be in excellent spirits,” the team said in a statement.

Byrd sustained a broken fifth cervical vertebra when he collided with teammate Scott Mersereau as they were attempting to sack Dave Krieg of the Chiefs on Nov. 29. He experienced some movement in his legs last weekend, but doctors say it may be two years before they know the extent to which he will recover.

The NFL Experience, a pro football theme park featuring exhibits and appearances by more than 100 current and former players, will be held Jan. 28-31 at the Rose Bowl.

Autograph sessions and various interactive activities with NFL players are scheduled for the event, leading up to Super Bowl XXVII Jan. 31 at the Rose Bowl.