[2] Ryan's pole vault championship assisted the high school track and field team in finishing tenth overall at the state meet.

[3] After graduating from high school, Ryan attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he joined the football team.

[5] In addition to his performance on the field, Ryan became known for one significant off-field incident during his collegiate career, referred to as "The Apple Bowl."

[8] It was rumored for a period of time that Ryan was originally placed on waivers by the Eagles for a situation in which his temper "flared up" in an exchange with coach Buck Shaw.

[9] The 1958 season would be his last with the NFL, at which point he returned to Champaign, Illinois and worked a variety of jobs prior to his retirement.