REGINA HONOURS SEAHAWKS’ RYAN

REGINA (CP) – A flag is now flying at Regina city hall to support the first Saskatchewan-born player to compete in the Super Bowl, punter Jon Ryan of the Seattle Seahawks.

Ryan and the Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos in the National Football League championship this weekend in New York.

Regina Mayor Michael Fougere and members of Ryan’s family raised the flag in the icy cold Monday morning.

Fougere said it’s important to support Ryan in the biggest game of his life.

Ryan was born in Regina and played college football for the University of Regina Rams.

He began his professional career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

Ryan’s brother, Steve, and his mother, Barb, were among the family members that helped raise the blue-and-white flag, which was shipped straight from the Seahawks offices in Seattle. They will also be among 15 family and friends travelling to MetLife Stadium in the New York area.

“I still haven’t wrapped my head around the fact that (the Seahawks) are going to be there,” said Steve Ryan. “It’s going to be incredible.”

He said his brother was well aware of the flag-raising and good wishes being sent his way.

“Through social media, phone calls, texts, he’s just felt overwhelmed with the support (he’s felt from Saskatchewan).”

The family is to leave for the Super Bowl on Thursday.