The North Dakota State University football community is grieving the devastating loss of former defensive lineman Reed Ryan, who tragically passed away last week at just 21 years old due to cardiac arrest. Ryan played four seasons for NDSU before transferring to the University of Minnesota Duluth this past year. His sudden death has shocked his former Bison teammates and coaches.
A Promising Football Career Cut Short
Reed Ryan joined the North Dakota State football program in 2019, choosing NDSU thanks in large part to the school’s powerhouse dynasty that has won nine FCS national championships. The Wisconsin native worked his way up to appearing in five games as a sophomore in 2021 when the Bison claimed yet another title.
After transferring to Minnesota Duluth, Ryan was thriving in his fifth collegiate season this fall. His shocking, premature death leaves loved ones and former teammates struggling to process how someone so physically gifted could be gone so abruptly.
A Devastating Blow for Players and Coaches
The news of Reed Ryan’s death sent shockwaves through the NDSU football family last weekend just one day before the Bison squad kicked off its latest FCS playoff run. Head coach Matt Entz tearfully addressed the tragedy in his postgame press conference, voicing support for Ryan’s grieving loved ones.
Teammates past and present took to social media to mourn the loss of a young man described as an uplifting, hardworking presence during his years in Fargo. The team honored Ryan’s memory by dedicating their opening round playoff victory to their fallen former teammate.
Remembering Reed Ryan's Vibrant Spirit
As the team processes this painful loss, Ryan’s NDSU family clings to memories of his infectious smile and ready laughter. Beneath the helmet, Ryan represented the best of college football’s lessons on perseverance, camaraderie and pursuing excellence with integrity.
The sheer volume of tributes from peers affirms Reed Ryan touched many lives in just 21 years. His enduring light holds lessons on living fully and uplifting others that his loved ones hope can inspire positive change amidst grief.
Carrying Forward Ryan's Uplifting Legacy
While nothing can restore the overwhelming loss of Reed Ryan, the NDSU community strives to honor their fallen teammate’s spirit by coming together in support of one another and raising mental health awareness to help prevent similar tragedies.
Keeping Ryan’s uplifting, passionate presence alive through commemorations that share his story with future generations of Bison is another way North Dakota State will forever remember number 56. Through them, his legacy lives on.
North Dakota State football lost one of its most spirited young student-athletes in Reed Ryan. But his poignant memory carries lessons on mentoring others and the urgency of speaking up in hard times. The NDSU family keeps Reed's light shining by building on the strong foundation he laid.
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