Pat Ryan, a professional American football quarterback, spent a decade in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New York Jets and later with the Philadelphia Eagles. Born on September 16, 1955, in Hutchinson, Kansas, Ryan attended Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he first demonstrated his aptitude for the sport. His talent on the field earned him a spot at the University of Tennessee, where he played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.
In the 1978 NFL Draft, Ryan was selected by the New York Jets in the eleventh round as the 281st overall pick. Despite being a late-round draft choice, he managed to secure a place on the Jets' roster. Ryan's early years with the team were spent primarily as a backup quarterback, where he learned and developed under the guidance of the coaching staff and alongside starting quarterbacks such as Richard Todd and Ken O'Brien.
Ryan's role with the Jets was often that of a reliable backup, stepping in when needed and providing stability to the quarterback position. His understanding of the game and ability to execute plays made him a valuable asset to the team. Over the years, he became known for his calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure, traits that served him well in critical game situations.
One of the highlights of Ryan's career came during the 1986 NFL season. The Jets, under head coach Joe Walton, had a strong start to the season but faced challenges as injuries plagued the team. Ryan stepped in as the starting quarterback during the playoffs, leading the Jets to a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card round. His performance in the postseason was a testament to his readiness and capability to lead the team when called upon.
Throughout his tenure with the Jets, Ryan played in 140 games, completing 816 of 1,576 passes for a total of 9,291 yards. He threw 62 touchdown passes and 65 interceptions. While his statistics may not have been among the league's elite, his role as a dependable backup and occasional starter was invaluable to the teams he played for.
In 1991, Ryan joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for one season before retiring from professional football. His time with the Eagles was brief, but he continued to demonstrate the same professionalism and work ethic that had characterized his career.
After retiring from the NFL, Ryan transitioned into a career in broadcasting, where he provided commentary and analysis for college football games. His deep understanding of the game and firsthand experience as a player allowed him to offer insightful perspectives to audiences.
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