Ryan Lilja

Offensive Lineman (2000-2001)

Ryan Lilja attended high school at Shawnee Mission Northwest, and was a letterman in football and golf. In football, he was a three-year starter. Ryan started for the Coffeyville Red Ravens in 2000 and 2001. Ryan was an honorable mention all-conference guard his freshman season for the Ravens. As a sophomore, he moved to tackle where he made second team all-conference. Ryan transferred Kansas State and he was named second team All-Big 12 in 2003. He started 14 of 23 career games at K-State.

Ryan's hometown Kansas Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2004 season. He was waived by the Chiefs and claimed by the Indianapolis Colts on September 6, 2004. Ryan would play for the Colts for the next six years where he provided protection for quarterback Peyton Manning. He started 59 of 66 games played for the Colts. His tenure with the Colts included the 2007 and 2010 Super Bowls. The Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in 2007 and lost to the New Orleans Saints in 2010.

Ryan then signed with the Chiefs prior to the 2010 season and played three years for his hometown team. After announcing his retirement on December 31, 2012, Ryan agreed to join the Denver Broncos prior to the start of the 2013 season.  The reunion with Peyton Manning lasted a month and after nine years, his very successful NFL career came to a close.

Ryan lives in Lake Quivira, Kansas, and is an entrepreneur and real estate investor. He is married to Jessica and has three kids: Annabelle, 4, Mark, 2, and Juliette, 3 months.