Ryan Thelwell facts for kids
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| Born: | Montego Bay, Jamaica |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | WR |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 193 lb (88 kg) |
| College | Minnesota |
| CFL Draft | 1998 / Round: 2 / Pick: 9 |
| Drafted by | BC Lions |
| NFL draft | 1998 / Round: 7 / Pick: 215 |
| Drafted by | San Francisco 49ers |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1998 | San Francisco 49ers* |
| 1998 | San Diego Chargers |
| 1999 | Seattle Seahawks* |
| 1999 | Jacksonville Jaguars* |
| 1999 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 2000 | New Orleans Saints* |
| 2001 | Denver Broncos* |
| 2001–2006 | BC Lions |
| 2007–2010 | Calgary Stampeders |
| 2011 | BC Lions |
| *Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| CFL West All-Star | 2004, 2005 |
| Career stats | |
| Receptions-receiving yards (NFL) | 16-268 |
| Receiving touchdowns (NFL) | 1 |
| Receptions-receiving yards (CFL) | 436-6,670 |
| Receiving touchdowns (CFL) | 39 |
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Ryan Thelwell (born April 6, 1973) is a former professional wide receiver in both American football and Canadian football. He was born in Jamaica and is also a Canadian. Thelwell was chosen by the BC Lions in the 1998 CFL Draft as the 9th overall pick. He was also drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL) in the 1998 NFL draft. He played college football for the University of Minnesota.
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Early Life and College Football
Ryan Thelwell was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. When he was four years old, he moved to London, Ontario, Canada with his parents. He went to London Catholic Central High School and finished in 1993. While in high school, he was a talented athlete. He played football, volleyball, basketball, and was on the track team.
After high school, Thelwell went to the University of Minnesota. He played as a wide receiver for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team. He played from 1994 to 1997. In 1994, his first year playing, he caught 24 passes for 406 yards. He also scored 3 touchdowns. In 1995, he had 58 catches for 775 yards and 6 touchdowns. Thelwell had a great year in 1996, catching 54 passes for 1,051 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten Conference player that year.
Professional Football Career
Ryan Thelwell played in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Playing in the NFL
The San Francisco 49ers picked Thelwell in the 1998 NFL draft. He was the 215th player chosen overall. However, he did not make the team after training camp. He then joined the San Diego Chargers. He played in six games for them, starting three times.
Thelwell caught his first pass for the Chargers in November 1998. He scored his only touchdown of the season in December against the Arizona Cardinals. This touchdown was a 30-yard catch that tied the game. Even with his big play, the Chargers lost the game 16–13. For the 1998 season, Thelwell caught 16 passes for 268 yards with San Diego. After this, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the next season.
Playing in the CFL
The BC Lions had drafted Thelwell in 1998. He signed with them on June 6, 2001. The Lions were the champions of the Grey Cup at that time. Thelwell played for the BC Lions for six seasons. During this time, he caught 335 passes for 4,981 yards. He also scored 30 touchdowns.
He was named a West Division All-Star in 2004 and 2005. In 2005, he had his first season with over 1,000 receiving yards. His production slowed down a bit in 2006. However, he was very important in the playoffs. He helped the Lions win the 94th Grey Cup championship.
After winning the Grey Cup, Thelwell became a free agent. This meant he could sign with any team. He chose to sign with the Calgary Stampeders on February 16, 2007. He played four seasons in Calgary. He caught 106 passes for 1,747 yards and nine touchdowns. He also helped the Stampeders win the 96th Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes. On January 25, 2011, Thelwell announced he was retiring from football.
However, the BC Lions needed help due to an injury to another player. They asked Thelwell to come out of retirement. He signed with them again on October 25, 2011. Thelwell was part of the team when they won the 99th Grey Cup. This was his third Grey Cup championship. Soon after this win, he announced his retirement again on December 1, 2011.
Personal Life and Achievements
Ryan Thelwell moved to London, Ontario when he was four years old. He lived there with his parents.
In November 2015, Ryan Thelwell was honored. He was inducted into the City of London Sports Hall of Fame. This recognized his great career in football.
He is married and has four children.
