Ryan is one of the Lions' best finds by way of a free agent camp as the speedy and athletic defensive halfback first caught the eye of scouts in Portland, Oregon.

He was quickly signed to a contract in advance of the 2005 season and made the opening day roster following training camp.

2012:  Ryan extended his active games-played streak to 144 last season with 18 starts, the longest games-played run in the CFL heading into 2013. Playing the halfback position, he achieved West Division and CFL All-Star status for the third time in his career making 32 defensive tackles and five more on special teams.

Ryan led the club with four interceptions including a 23-yard return on October 16/12 vs Calgary. All four of Ryan’s interceptions came during the club’s final six regular season games.

2011:  Starting all 18 games plus the Western Final and Grey Cup games, Phillips recorded 46 regular season tackles (fifth on the team) and led the way with seven pass knockdowns. He led the Lions with four interceptions, which he returned for 112 yards and one TD (Sep 24/11 vs Ssk). He tied for ninth in the CFL with his four picks and recorded a season-high five tackles on two occasions.

Games Played:  Career: 144; Playoff: 10; Grey Cup: 2 (2011, 2006 w/BC)

2005-2012:  Ryan has spent eight seasons in the CFL; seven as a starter and one as the sixth defensive back (2010). In eight seasons in the BC defensive backfield, he has racked up 352 tackles and 35 interceptions, putting him in fourth spot all-time for the Lions. His return yardage of 660 yards ranks second all-time on the Lions behind only Larry Crawford and 28th all-time in CFL history.

Ryan has never missed a game in his CFL career, playing in 144 consecutive regular season contests and 12 more in the post-season. Ryan has four career interception returns for touchdowns, one fumble return for a touchdown, 49 pass knockdowns and five seasons of at least four interceptions.

He played in the Lions’ 2006 Grey Cup victory over the Montreal Alouettes as well as the 2011 win over Winnipeg.

CFL All-Star: 2012, 2010, 2007

West Division All-Star: 2012, 2010, 2007

Ryan came to the CFL from Eastern Washington University where he was an All-Big Sky All-Conference selection as a senior.

Ryan completed his degree in Secondary Education in 2006 and spends his off-seasons as a substitute in the Seattle school system where his mom, Cheryl is a principal. Ryan and his girlfriend, Fadhila have two sons, Ryan Jr. and Braylen, who also keep their days busy.

When his playing days have concluded, Ryan would like to teach and coach football at the high school level.