Reed Ryan, a 22-year-old senior football player at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a team workout on November 21, 2023. Ryan’s death was caused by an undetected genetic heart condition, according to his family.
A Tragic Loss for UMD and the Football Community
Ryan was a defensive lineman for the UMD Bulldogs, who finished the 2023 season with a 9-2 record and a second-place finish in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). He transferred to UMD from North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he won two NCAA Division I FCS National Championships in 2019 and 2021.
Ryan collapsed in the weight room after a team workout on November 21, 2023, and went into cardiac arrest. He was immediately given CPR by the athletic training staff and taken to the ICU at St. Mary’s-Duluth, where he remained until his death on November 28, 2023.
Ryan’s family, teammates, coaches, and friends are mourning his loss and remembering his life. His obituary described him as a person who “had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years.” He loved people, traveling, collecting shoes, drawing, going to concerts, and cooking. He also created his own online vintage store, Thrifted Tiger.
UMD Honors Ryan’s Legacy and Memory
UMD held a moment of silence for Ryan before the men’s basketball game against Minnesota State University Moorhead on December 1, 2023. The UMD football team also wore stickers with Ryan’s initials and jersey number, 97, on their helmets during their final game of the season against St. Cloud State University on November 25, 2023.
UMD head football coach Curt Wiese said in a statement that Ryan was “the epitome of a UMD Bulldog, and what we can all aspire to be.” He praised Ryan’s positive attitude, infectious smile, and genuine care for the people around him. He also thanked Ryan’s family for allowing the UMD football program to be part of his inspiring young life.
UMD director of athletics Forrest Karr, who is also from Ryan’s hometown of Waunakee, Wisconsin, said in a statement that Ryan was “a kind, caring and thoughtful young man who enjoyed bringing people together.” He added that Ryan had a positive impact on many people and that he was deeply saddened by his passing.
A Reminder of the Risks and Challenges of College Athletics
Ryan’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges that college athletes face, especially in high-contact sports like football. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), there were 30 deaths related to college sports from 2013 to 2018, with 24 of them occurring in football. The most common causes of death were cardiac conditions, heat stroke, and head injuries.
The NCAA has implemented several policies and guidelines to prevent and manage such incidents, such as requiring medical examinations, screening for cardiac conditions, providing emergency action plans, and enforcing concussion protocols. However, some experts and advocates argue that more needs to be done to protect the health and safety of college athletes, especially in light of the increasing physical demands and competitive pressures of college sports.
Ryan’s death also highlights the challenges that college athletes face in balancing their academic, athletic, and personal lives. According to a 2019 survey by the NCAA, college athletes spend an average of 34 hours per week on their sport, in addition to their coursework and other obligations. The survey also found that college athletes experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than their non-athlete peers.
The NCAA and its member institutions have taken steps to address these issues, such as providing academic support, mental health services, and life skills programs for college athletes. However, some critics and activists contend that more needs to be done to ensure the well-being and rights of college athletes, especially in terms of compensation, representation, and autonomy.
A Celebration of Ryan’s Life and Achievements
Ryan’s funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Blackhawk Church in Middleton, Wisconsin. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the UMD Foundation in Ryan’s name, to support the UMD football program and scholarships for student-athletes.
Ryan’s legacy and memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans. He will be remembered as a talented and passionate football player, a loving and loyal son, brother, and friend, and a kind and generous person who touched many lives.
