Former NFL, current Riders’ punter Jon Ryan diagnosed with skin cancer

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Jon Ryan has announced that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer.

The 38-year-old publicized the diagnosis on Michael Ball’s podcast called Growing the Game.

“I’ve gone once a year to the dermatologist to get a full-body scan to get everything checked,” said Ryan. “And I have a mark on my neck they’re a little concerned about. Last year they froze it off, and it grew back even bigger, so they identified that it was skin cancer.”

Ryan was born and raised in Regina, developing his skills at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate High Hchool and playing for the University of Regina Rams where he earned U Sports All-Canadian status.

Winnipeg selected Ryan in the third round of the 2004 CFL draft where he handled punting duties for two seasons, leading the CFL with a 50.6-yard average in 2005.

NFL teams took notice of Ryan’s strong leg and the Green Bay Packers signed him to a contract. After two seasons in Wisconsin, Ryan moved on to Seattle for 10 seasons, including a Super Bowl championship in 2014.

Ryan returned to the CFL in 2019 with Saskatchewan where punted 107 times for 3,783 yards with a long of 77. He was named a West Division all-star for his efforts.