Pat Ryan is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on February 21, 1955, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee, where he played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Ryan was selected by the New York Jets in the 11th round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He spent his first three seasons as a backup quarterback before becoming the team's starter in 1981. Ryan played for the Jets until 1989, and during his time with the team, he threw for 13,361 yards and 68 touchdowns.
In 1990, Ryan signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for one season before retiring from the NFL. He finished his career with 15,530 passing yards and 76 touchdowns.
Ryan was known for his accuracy and his ability to read defenses. He was also a tough player who was not afraid to take hits and play through injuries. Despite his success as a quarterback, Ryan was often overshadowed by other players in the league, such as Joe Montana and Dan Marino.
After retiring from football, Ryan became a coach. He worked as an assistant coach for several college and NFL teams, including the Tennessee Volunteers, the Houston Oilers, and the Arizona Cardinals. He also served as the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2006.
Ryan's football career was marked by his dedication and hard work. He was a respected player and coach who was known for his leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. Although he may not have been as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Ryan's contributions to the game of football were significant, and he will always be remembered as a talented quarterback and coach.
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