Former University of Regina Ram in Super Bowl

Posted: January 28, 2014 2:55 p.m.

Jon Ryan playing for the University of Regina Rams. Photo: U of R Photography

When Jon Ryan steps on the field in Sunday’s Super Bowl game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, he will become the first person from Saskatchewan – and the first former University of Regina Ram – to play the National Football League’s (NFL) title game, as the Seattle Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos.

Ryan was born and raised in Regina, and played for Sheldon-Williams Collegiate before joining the University of Regina Rams. He later played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Green Bay Packers.

Two other former Rams have also made it to the NFL – Akiem Hicks with the New Orleans Saints and Stefan Charles with the Buffalo Bills.

The Rams were formed in 1954 with the amalgamation of the Bombers and the Dales. From 1966 to 1998, the Rams played in the Canadian Junior Football League, winning 15 national championships along the way. After 45 years of competing in junior football, the Rams became members of the Canada West Conference of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union.

The Rams have produced more than 50 talented CFL and NFL players, and through skilled and dedicated coaching and personal development, the club has also produced leading businessmen, tradesmen, teachers, lawyers and doctors.