Ryans was thrilled to be enshrined.
"It is truly a blessing," Ryans said. "This is a special moment for me. You think back in college, my last college game, trying to play the game the right way. You never are thinking about the Hall of Fame and what it will lead to later down the road, but to just play with passion, play with energy and just doing what I was supposed to do and doing it the right way has led me to this moment. It's just truly a surreal moment."
Among the other enrshinees in the 2025 class were former Auburn running back and Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson, as well as former Notre Dame running back Jerome Bettis. Jackson and Ryans were both born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama.
"Really thankful to the Cotton Bowl Committee for even thinking of me, to put me into this class and to do it with such great guys," Ryans said. "They have my hometown guy here in Bo Jackson. I watched Jerome Bettis. It's such a special class and I'm thankful to be a part of it."
Ryans and the rest of the 2025 class were enshrined last week, and you can read more about the honors [HERE](https://www.cottonbowl.com/news/2025/5/23/football-eight-legends-earn-enshrinement-as-the-2025-goodyear-cotton-bowl-classic-hall-of-fame-class.aspx).