Former Ram prepares for the Super Bowl - again

Posted: January 30, 2015 10:00 a.m.

Jon Ryan played for the University of Regina Rams before his CFL and NFL career.
Jon Ryan played for the University of Regina Rams before his CFL and NFL career. Photo: U of R Photography

For the second year in a row former University of Regina Ram Jon Ryan is preparing for the Super Bowl, as his Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots in Sunday’s championship game in Glendale, Arizona.

Ryan is the first former Ram to earn a Super Bowl ring, after the Seahawks won last year’s title game.  

His success doesn’t surprise Dr. Rick Seaman, who coached Ryan when he played with the Rams.

“Jon is goal driven and determined,” explains Seaman, who recently retired as a mathematics education professor in the Faculty of Education.

“After running ‘many’ routes during practice, Jon would often stay after everyone else was off the field to work on his punting,” recalls Seaman, the most recent recipient (and only Rams coach) of the Gino Fracas Award, as Assistant Coach of the Year in Canadian University football.

Another reason for Ryan’s success, says Seaman – who started coaching with the Rams in 1984 – is the support that comes from his family.

“Success starts with the family and the Ryan family is a good example. Even today you see everyone including the grandchildren there for Jon, cheering him on,” he says.

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

Three other former Rams are also in the NFL – Stefan Charles with the Buffalo Bills; Akiem Hicks with the New Orleans Saints; and Jorgen Hus with the Kansas City Chiefs.  

The Rams were formed in 1954 and won 15 national championships in the Canadian Junior Football League from 1966 to 1998, before joining the Canada West Conference of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union.

For more information about the University of Regina Rams please visit: http://reginacougars.com/index.aspx?path=football