Sean Ryan (American football)

Early years

After attending St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and Worcester Academy, he moved on to Boston College, he was originally a defensive end, but switched to tight end as a sophomore. Called the "most competitive player in the Big East" by USA Today, he excelled in both blocking and receiving and received All-Big East second team honors (2002). During his college career, he played 50 games and starting 44 a finished his career with 75 receptions for 950 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 12 touchdown receptions rank second in school history among tight ends. He also received the Orie T. Scarminach award, annually given to the MVP of the Boston College-Syracuse game. Against Syracuse Ryan had 6 receptions for 105 yards and 1 touchdown and helped pave the way for running back Derrick Knight to rush for over 170 yards and 2 touchdowns. Throughout his career Ryan was noted to doing the little things well at his tight end position and was continually praised for his off-the-field work ethic and desire to progress as a football player.

Dallas Cowboys

He was selected in the 5th round (144th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and signed to the practice squad. In 2004, with starter Dan Campbell on injured reserve, he appeared in 6 games as the blocking tight end. He fractured his foot in training camp and missed all of the 2005 preseason, but was still signed to the practice squad. In November 2005, after third-string tight end Brett Pierce suffered an injury, Ryan was again promoted to the active roster.

On August 31, 2006, he was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a seventh-round draft choice in the 2007 NFL Draft.

New York Jets

Ryan was expected to fill the role of backup tight end for the Jets, behind Chris Baker. At the end of the 2006 NFL regular season, Ryan had 3 starts and 6 catches for a combined 44 yards. The next year, he played in 10 games (one start, 6 games inactive) and registered 3 receptions for 46 yards and an 18-yard kickoff return.

Miami Dolphins

On February 29, 2008, he signed a one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent with the Miami Dolphins, reuniting with former Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells. He played in one game before being released on September 12.

New Orleans Saints

Ryan was signed by the New Orleans Saints on September 24, 2008 after starting tight end Jeremy Shockey suffered a sports hernia. He was waived prior to their next game on September 28 in order to activate fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin from their practice squad.

He was re-signed by the Saints on October 8 after the team waived tight end Buck Ortega. He was released again on October 16.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers signed him on November 3, 2008 after releasing fullback David Kirtman. He wasn't re-signed at the end of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs

Ryan signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 21, 2009. He scored his first career touchdown in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. After appearing in 10 games (8 starts), he finished with career-highs in receptions (14 for 135 yards) and touchdowns (2). He wasn't re-signed at the end of the season.

Washington Redskins

He signed on March 11, 2010, as an unrestricted free agent with the Washington Redskins. He was waived on June 9.

Tennessee Titans

Ryan signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans on July 14, 2010. He was released on September 4.

Personal life

In December 2011, Ryan announced that he and a group of 11 other professional players had filed a lawsuit against the NFL. Ryan and his attorneys allege that the League failed to properly treat head injuries in spite of prevailing medical evidence, leading the players to develop effects of brain injury ranging from chronic headaches to depression.