The Seahawks and Jon Ryan agreed to terms on a new contract Friday, keeping the punter and special teams captain in Seattle for the next four seasons.
Special teams play has been a big focus for the Seahawks under Pete Carroll, and Ryan's leg has played a big role in Seattle being one of the league's best teams in that phase of the game year after year.
But what will make this move a popular one among fans isn't just that it helps Seattle stay strong at an important position, but also the bond Ryan and Seahawks fans have that is unusual when it comes to a punter. Whether it's Ryan's sense of humor, the touchdown pass he threw in the NFC championship game, or his toughness—he broke his nose in January's playoff win at Minnesota and finished the game—Ryan has become a fan favorite during his time in Seattle for more than just his ability to affect field position.
While presenting an award at this year's Sports Star of the Year awards last month, Ryan joked about his pending free agency, "announcing" he had just signed a new deal with Seattle before providing the punchline: "Yeah, I signed it, now I just need them to sign it. It was a really lucrative deal too."
But Ryan also got a little sentimental about his time in Seattle and his relationship with the fans, saying, "I've been here for eight years playing for the Seahawks, and it has been the best eight years of my life. The people in Seattle, the people in Washington, the people in the Pacific Northwest have accepted a fair-skinned, freckle-faced redheaded kid from Canada with a speech impediment who punts a football, and made him feel like a super star… You guys are the greatest fans in the world."
With Brandon Mebane heading to San Diego in free agency, Ryan who signed with Seattle in 2008, is the longest-tenured player on the roster, and the only player who predates Pete Carroll and John Schneider's hiring in 2010. Ryan is the fourth unrestricted free agent retained by Seattle this week along with receiver Jermaine Kearse, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and cornerback Jeremy Lane.
Take a look at some of the best Jon Ryan photos over his last 8 seasons with the Seahawks. Looks like we'll have few more years of this goodness.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -
While the rest of team practiced on the one indoor field, Seattle specialists found room on an outdoor field cleared of snow, then practiced field goals with a view of the New York skyline off in the distance.
Two hours later, punter Jon Ryan, nattily attired in a suit, makes his way to the team buses for the trip to Levi's Stadium.
Jon Ryan reacts after gaining a key first down for the Seahawks on a fake field goal in the fourth quarter.
Jon Ryan, the coolest Canadian punter in the N.F.L. gives "Passes the Peace" as he walks on to the field for early warmups.
Holder Jon Ryan and kicker Steven Haushcka celebrate the 58-yard field goal that put the Seahawks on the board.
Punter Jon Ryan had his usual solid game, and perhaps his best play was a running punt after a muffed snap that resulted in San Francisco fumble and a turnover for the Seahawks.
From one passer to another, Russell Wilson congratulates Jon Ryan, whose 19-yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal gave the Seahawks their first score of the game.
Punter Jon Ryan adjusts his music before leaving the locker room for his early warmups.
Jan. 10, 2016; Minneapolis, Minn.
Seahawks punter Jon Ryan was an unsung hero, aborting a poor snap and being injured on a subsequent running attempt at a first down, but he finished the game and continued punting despite a broken nose.
Seahawks punter Jon Ryan cut his hair after practice today for Locks of Love. Ryan grew his hair out for 25 months, reaching 11.5 inches in length. The mission of the charity is to return sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need. For more information visit www.locksoflove.com
