Ryan Lilja
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Career Summary
Ryan Lilja was an NFL offensive lineman who played nine seasons after Kansas State.
Lilja played nine NFL seasons on the offensive line with Indianapolis and Kansas City. He attended Kansas State before reaching the NFL.
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Early Life
Lilja was from Lake Quivira, Kansas.
Lilja was from Lake Quivira, Kansas, and began playing football in seventh grade.
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High School
He attended Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.
Lilja attended Shawnee Mission Northwest High School before Coffeyville Community College and Kansas State.
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College Career
Lilja was an academic standout and starting guard at Kansas State.
Lilja earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 recognition and a CoSIDA Academic All-District selection at Kansas State. In 2003, he started 10 of his first 11 games for a Wildcats offense that ranked among the nation's leaders in scoring and rushing.
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Path to the NFL
Lilja reached Indianapolis after beginning his professional career with Kansas City.
The Colts claimed Lilja off waivers from Kansas City in 2003, beginning his Indianapolis tenure.
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NFL Career
Lilja appeared in 111 NFL games with Indianapolis and Kansas City.
Lilja played 111 NFL games. He spent six seasons with Indianapolis and three with Kansas City.
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Career Accomplishments
Lilja was a member of Indianapolis' Super Bowl championship team and returned to the Super Bowl after the 2009 season.
Lilja played on a Colts Super Bowl championship team and appeared in a second Super Bowl following the 2009 season. He started every game in 2009 after missing the previous season with a knee injury.
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Playing Style
Lilja's role centered on interior offensive-line play at guard.
Lilja was a veteran guard for the Colts and later a starting guard for Kansas City. His Colts return in 2009 reflected a full-season starting role after rehabilitation from a knee injury.
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Legacy
Kansas State recognizes Lilja among its Academic All-Americans.
Kansas State lists Lilja as a 2003 Academic All-American and noted his CoSIDA second-team Academic All-America recognition.
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20355, 00-0022350, 1981-10-15, Ryan Lilja, Ryan, Lilja
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