INTRODUCTION

 

Ryan is a former NFL OT for the Indianapolis Colts. He played for 11 years in the NFL and won the Super Bowl in 2005 against the Chicago Bears. Prior to the NFL, Ryan played for the NIU Huskies. Today, he is an active philantropist and works in the real estate industry.

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

How did you balance your time between class and playing football?

It was difficult, but NIU (and most colleges) makes young student athletes do mandatory study table at night to teach them to get in the habit of getting their homework/research done each and every night, so they don’t get distracted by the college lifestyle.

 

What did you have to do differently to adapt to the Division I level?

In college, you are playing against the best high school athletes that have all moved up to the next level.  The speed and intensity of the game continues to escalate each time a player moves up from one level to the next.  You must prepare mentally and train physically to be ready.

 

How did playing at NIU attribute to the success that you had with the NFL?

NIU prepared me by showing me that anything is possible with hard work.  We started out poor my freshmen year, and by my senior year we had the first winning season at NIU in over a decade.  The team has continued to build on that success.

 

JOB TRANSITION (DRAFT PREPARATION)

 

When did you realize that there was a good chance you could get drafted by an NFL team?

After my junior year, I started getting a lot of calls from agents, and scouts started showing up at practices to watch me. 

 

What did you say to the people that tried to chase you out of your NFL dream?

I always enjoyed the challenge of a new player – there is always someone younger and cheaper that they are trying to replace you with.  It kept me motivated to continue to try to improve my craft.

 

How did you prepare for the NFL draft?

There was a lot of combine prep, both physically and mentally.  Other than that, your resume is what you put on film each and every game. 

 

How did you overcome the stress of waiting to get the “Call” that every draft prospect wants.

The only stress I had was not knowing which team I was going to go to.  I knew I was going to get a shot, and it was up to me to make the most of it when the opportunity came. 

 

MAKING THE SQUAD

 

How difficult was it for you to keep going to realize your dream?

It wasn’t difficult at all – it’s not work if you love it!  I enjoy training hard, and once I was at the Colts, I realized that I wasn’t so different from anyone else there.  They just had more experience.

 

How would you describe your transition from college to the NFL? What was different about it?

Similar to jump to D1, everyone is really good, very strong and fast.  Playbook got a lot more complicated too.  Just had to take the preparation up a notch to be successful. 

 

Describe what the atmosphere in training camp is like for a NFL prospect trying to make the team.

It’s tense because you only get one shot to make the squad and fulfill your lifelong dream.  At the same time, you are trying to overcome the anxiety of a new playbook, and trying to navigate the locker room and players.  It’s different than college, because in college you know you’ll be there at least 4 years.  In the pros, I saw guys get cut after a few days. 

 

Is it tough for a prospect to get to know some of the established players on the team? (IE: Manning, Reggie Wayne, etc.)

Just depends on the atmosphere of the locker room.  The Colts locker room was very open and inviting to young players.  We knew that we had to get some of the young guys up to speed quickly so they could contribute and help us win.  Other teams that are more selfish will never see the success we had. 

What’s something that a rookie should be aware of prior to training camp?

Be ready to work.  On the field and off of it.  You’ll want to try to get some rest and study, but the veterans will be sending you on food runs all the time. 

 

NFL LIFE

 

How did you balance the fame that you were getting with the NFL and your personal life?

I was never one to seek the spotlight, so this wasn’t a big challenge for me.  The fans in Indianapolis are very respectful of our personal space too, so it wasn’t a big problem. 

 

Describe your proudest moment throughout your NFL career.

Be able to start for a good team for 11 years was my proudest personal moment, but as a team, my favorite memory is beating the Patriots in the 2006-7 AFC Championship game to send on to the Super Bowl. 

 

What does a typical work schedule look like for you?

Wed:  Start Game Prep at 7:30am, Install Game Plan, Workout, Practice, Film, Treatment, Done by 6pm

Thurs:  Game Prep at 7:30am, Install Game Plan, Workout, Practice, Film, Treatment, Done by 6pm

Fri:  Review Game Plan Start at 8am, Practice, Treatment, Shorter Day – done by 2pm

Sat:  Walk Thru, Travel if on road

Sun:  Game, travel home

Mon:  Watch Film/review game, workout, short practice

Tues:  Off Day

 

What steps did you take throughout your career to maintain your health?

Stay strong and flexible is key to preventing injuries.  Know your body and don’t try to push thru something that is going to get worse.  Use treatment sessions and massage therapy to heal injuries quicker, and maintain healthy diet to give your body the best fuel possible.  Also, use ice/hot tubs to flush. 

 

What are the challenges that you have to endure as an NFL player that people are unaware of?

It’s challenging to balance keeping your guard up to protect yourself and to be friendly with all the fans.  You are a constant target for people to try and take advantage of, but you don’t want to come off as a jerk.

 

How do you demonstrate leadership at your position?

Through hard work and leadership by example. 

 

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

 

Since you are retired from the NFL, what’s the next goal that you have?

To spend a lot of time with my kids and family, and to continue to pursue my professional career in the real estate industry. 

 

When did you realize that retiring was the best option for you?

When my body was starting to tell me it was time – little injuries took longer to heal and were happening more often, and it took longer to recover from each game every week.  Also, my contract was up, and I wasn’t interested in starting over with a new coaching staff or team.  And my wife was pregnant with our twin boys that were very close to being born.  All of these factors played into my decision. 

 

I noticed that you are involved with a lot of charity work. What keeps you motivated to continue to give back?

Julie and I feel blessed to be where we are.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  We felt the need to give back our time and resources to those less fortunate.  We have worked diligently with a pediatric cancer foundation for over 11 years, and it has been highly rewarding on a personal level, and even better to know you are helping people that really need it. 

 

ADVICE

 

What does it take to excel at your position?

Hard work will win every time over talent that doesn’t work hard. 

 

What advice do you have for an aspiring college football player trying to follow in your footstep?

Make a name for yourself on the field between the whistles.  Don’t worry about the media and trying to create headlines.  Go to work everyday and feel blessed for the opportunities that you have.  If you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of them selves.