As a red-haired Canadian punter, Jon Ryan had hints that he was destined to zig when the world zagged. Maybe it came from his mother, who had unusual advice for her son when he was about to leave for college.
“She said, ‘As long as you’re playing football, as long as you’re doing this, we don’t really care what your grades are,” Ryan said. “I don’t know if my mom would even admit that that happened because it’s the opposite thing a mother should tell you. But it meant a lot to me because it was the spark I needed to take it to the next level.”
You can sample the Seahawks stalwart’s next-level stuff in person Sept. 12 when he joins me and KNKX-FM radio Morning Edition news host Kirsten Kendrick in the Sports Salon at World Trade Center Seattle on the downtown waterfront.
Ryan is the Seahawks’ longest-tenured player and owner of nearly all the the club’s punting records, including touchdown passes. If you remember Ryan’s pass from a fake-field goal formation to tackle-eligible Garry Gilliam for a TD that helped beat the Green Bay Packers in the 2014 NFC Championship, then next Tuesday is your chance to genuflect in his magnificence.
Or buy him a beer, which he would much prefer. And he may buy you a beer for showing up.
The happy-hour format for the evening in the fourth-floor bistro, one of Seattle’s hidden party-place gems, is highly conducive to drink-buying, free-appetizer-eating and sports-world-networking.
When the program begins at 6 p.m., Kirsten and I will annoy Ryan with questions, and he will mock us derisively with his answers. Then we will turn him over to you.
Much as when Ryan runs from punt formation, it’s something you won’t forget.
The event is also a listener appreciation event for NPR affiliate KNKX, so if you have any questions about news, jazz or blues, Ryan will show you how to turn on your radio.
Tickets for the event, which are $30 for WTC members and $40 for non-members and includes heavy appetizers, can be purchased at the door or ordered here at Brown Paper Tickets.
Event schedule
5 p.m: Networking, happy hour beverages and complimentary appetizers
6 p.m.: Discussion with Ryan, Thiel and Kendrick
6:45 p.m.: Q and A
Brought to you by Sportspress Northwest, KNKX 88.5 FM and World Trade Center Seattle
