Chad Ryland Bio
Chad Michael Ryland is an American professional football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Eastern Michigan Eagles and Maryland Terrapins. Ryland was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, gaining recognition for his impressive performances and significant kicks during his time at both colleges.
Early Life and Background
Chad Michael Ryland was born on October 15, 1999, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He attended Cedar Crest High School, where he initially focused on soccer and baseball. It was not until his junior year that he was encouraged by his father to try out for the football team. After making the team, Ryland quickly established himself as a talented placekicker, earning all-league and all-county selections in both his junior and senior years. To hone his skills, he often practiced on the school’s athletic field after hours, demonstrating his dedication to the sport. He was recognized as a five-star kicker and ranked as the 24th-best nationally at his position by Kohl’s kicking camps.
Path to American Football
Ryland began his college football career as a walk-on at Eastern Michigan University, where he won the starting placekicker position as a true freshman. His breakout moment came in his second game when he kicked a game-winning 24-yard field goal against Purdue, a significant upset for his team. Although his performance fluctuated during his freshman season, he successfully converted all 41 of his extra point attempts. In his sophomore year, he played in all 13 games, making 14 of 19 field goals and 35 PATs, including another game-winning kick against Illinois. Ryland continued to excel, becoming a second-team all-conference player after the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, where he ranked among the top 20 nationally in field goal percentage. He set a team record with 104 points in a season during his final year at Eastern Michigan, solidifying his legacy as the all-time leading scorer for the school with 309 points. In 2022, he transferred to the University of Maryland, where he continued to impress by converting 19 of 23 field goal attempts and earning second-team all-conference honors.
Chad Ryland Career
Early Career (2023)
Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, being the 112th overall pick. His rookie season was marked by both challenges and highlights. He made 16 of 25 field goal attempts and 24 of 25 extra point attempts, although his field goal percentage ranked lowest among qualified kickers in the league. One of his most memorable moments came in Week 16 when he kicked a 56-yard field goal to secure a victory against the Denver Broncos. Despite this success, Ryland faced competition and was waived by the Patriots in August 2024 after losing the kicking job.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On October 2, 2024, Chad Ryland was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Shortly after, he was promoted to the active roster due to an injury to the team’s starting kicker, Matt Prater. Ryland quickly made an impact, being named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in October after successfully kicking three game-winning field goals. He demonstrated versatility by taking over punting duties later in the season when another player was injured. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute in multiple roles has made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Chad Ryland has achieved significant milestones, including being named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2022 and earning Second-team All-MAC honors in both 2020 and 2021. His impressive college statistics and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have set the stage for his professional career.
Chad Ryland Award Nominations
Chad Ryland has received notable nominations throughout his career, including recognition as a Second-team All-Big Ten and Second-team All-MAC player. These accolades highlight his skill and contributions on the field.
Chad Ryland Awards Won
Chad Ryland has won several awards during his football career, including being named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2022 and achieving Second-team All-MAC honors in 2020 and 2021. These awards reflect his talent and performance as a placekicker.
Chad Ryland Family
Information about Chad Ryland’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details regarding Chad Ryland’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
