Did Tim Ryan play in the NFL?

Tim Ryan is a former NFL commentator for FOX television and the co-host of Movin' the Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio. He currently serves as the radio color analyst for the San Francisco 49ers. But did he compete in the NFL before landing a job in sportscasting?

Yes, Tim Ryan was a defensive tackle in the NFL. Between 1990 and 1993, Ryan, a third-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, played for the Chicago Bears.

---

Tim Ryan's brief NFL career

Tim Ryan was selected as a Mercury-News All-CCS player while playing high school football for the Oak Grove Eagles from 1983 to 1985. He was an important part of the squad as he played on both the defensive and offensive lines.

Ryan was a member of the University of Southern California football team before being selected 61st overall in the 1990 NFL Draft.

Before his undetermined departure in 1993, Ryan starred for the Bears from 1990 through 1993. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries across his NFL career.

---

Tim Ryan's sportscasting career

Since 2002, Ryan has provided commentary on football games. He worked as a color commentator for FOX NFL telecasts for 12 years, collaborating with different game broadcasters. Ryan worked with Matt Vasgerian for the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.

Additionally, he offered coverage for the San Francisco 49ers preseason games while hosting Movin' the Chains from 3 to 7 pm on Sirius NFL Radio with Pat Kirwan. He frequently contributes to the Bay Area radio station KGMZ.

Ryan's departure from FOX Sports to take up Eric Davis' position as a sports commentator for the 49ers radio network was officially confirmed in January 2014.

Ryan has been collaborating on radio broadcasts with game announcer Greg Papa since the 49ers' 2019 season began.

Ryan was suspended for a game as the 49ers' sports commentator in December 2019. The suspension was due to comments he made on The Murph and Mac Show on KNBR Radio regarding Baltimore Ravens stalwart Lamar Jackson.

He talked about Jackson's excellence at faking handoffs because of his dark skin, the dark color of the ball, and the dark color of his uniform.

Nonetheless, the sportscaster was reinstated and continues to be the radio color analyst for the 49ers.