Ryan Lilja

Ryan Matthew Lilja (born October 15, 1981) is a former American football guard. Lilja played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Kansas State.

Early years
Ryan and his brothers were raised in Kansas City. Lilja attended Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and was a student and a letterman in football and golf. In football, he was a three-year starter.

College career
He was a two-year starter at Coffeyville Community College before he transferred to Kansas State University, where he was a two-year player who started 14 of 23 career games.

First stint with Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Lilja as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2004 season. He was waived on September 5, 2004, with the intention of signing him to the practice squad if he cleared waivers.

Indianapolis Colts
On September 6, 2004, Lilja was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts soon after the Chiefs waived him.

The Colts re-signed Lilja on February 19, 2008, to a five-year deal worth $20 million.

Lilja was released on March 8, 2010. He started 59 of 66 games for them and two Super Bowls.

Second stint with Chiefs
On March 16, 2010, Lilja re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Retirement
Lilja announced his retirement on December 31, 2012.