Billy Ryan
William Richard Ryan Jr. (April 21, 1887 – December 20, 1951) was an American football player from Cleveland, Ohio, and a starting quarterback for the University of Notre Dame.
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | |
|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born: | April 21, 1887 |
| Died: | December 20, 1951 (aged 64) |
| Career history | |
| College | Notre Dame (1909) |
Ryan began his career as the starting quarterback, placekicker and punt returner for the Notre Dame football squad in 1907, leading the team to an undefeated season of 6-0-1 in his freshman year.
Following his initial season, Ryan moved to right halfback where he had his best season as a junior in 1909, rushing for over 90 yards in a win over Michigan State, and scoring the winning touchdown in the team's first-ever victory over Michigan. A knee injury would sideline him for most of his senior season.
In addition to Ryan's skills on the gridiron, he was a pitcher for the baseball team, a basso in the campus Glee Club, and a lead actor in the university's theater productions.
Following graduation, he returned to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where he married Louise Brotherton and worked in real estate.
References
- Steele, Michael R. The Fighting Irish Football Encyclopedia. Champaign, IL: Sports Publishing LLC (1996).
- Grant, Chet. Before Rockne at Notre Dame. South Bend, IN: Icarus Press (1978).