Ryan Lilja - #65 - G
| Status | Inactive |
| Height/Weight | 6' 2"/ 290 lbs. |
| Birthday | 10/15/1981 |
| Birthplace | Kansas City, MO |
| College | Kansas State |
| Years played | 10 |
2011 free-agent tracker, by position
Follow the movement of the 2011 free agents in this list, broken down by position.
PLAYER NEWS
Lilja, who helped block for Peyton Manning during the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl-winning 2006 season, announced his retirement Monday.|||||||
Lilja said he was going to "hang it up" after the Chiefs finished a 2-14 season with a 38-3 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Lilja played guard his entire career until injuries forced him to play the majority of this season at center. Lilja said he relished the opportunity to learn a new position, even though he knew at the beginning of the season that it would likely be his last in the NFL.
The Chiefs are without Lilja and right guard Jon Asamoah along with wide receiver Jon Baldwin for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals.|||||||
Lilja is dealing with a knee injury.
With Rodney Hudson going on injured reserve, Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said Wednesday that veteran guard Ryan Lilja will start at center on Sunday against San Diego, and rookie Jeff Allen will take his place.|||||||
It was the same arrangement that Kansas City used once Hudson was hurt in last Sunday's overtime victory in New Orleans.
Saints receiver Marques Colston and Lilja are active for the game between Kansas City and New Orleans after being listed as questionable with injuries during the past week.|||||||
Lilja was uncertain to play due to back soreness.
The Chiefs have signed Lilja in another step toward beefing up their offensive line. The deal was announced Tuesday. Terms were not released.|||||||
Lilja played in 66 games with the Indianapolis Colts, who claimed him off waivers from Kansas City in 2004. He started eight playoff games with the Colts, including two Super Bowls. Lilja initially joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004 after finishing his college career at Kansas State, where he was a second-team All-Big 12 selection his senior year.
