Player Page

Weather | Roster

Ryan Lilja | Guard

Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age / DOB:  (31) / 10/15/1981
Ht / Wt:  6'2' / 290
College: Kansas State
Share: 

Latest News

Recent News

The Kansas City Star reports retired G/C Ryan Lilja's potential comeback is "on hold" as he rehabs from toe and knee surgeries.
Per reporter Adam Teicher, the Chiefs may also "now feel they have enough capable bodies along their line." Lilja is reportedly "receptive" to a comeback, but the issue may simmer until training camp. May 20 - 11:46 AM
Source: Kansas City Star

Highest Searched Players over the last 7 days


Player News

Date:
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Retired free agent G/C Ryan Lilja is rehabbing from toe and knee surgeries, but he could join a team for the start of training camp.

Lilja, 31, announced that he was retiring the day after the season ended, but there have been reports that he has been "receptive to the idea" of coming back. The Chiefs have already approached him about a return, and the fact that he followed through with the surgeries indicates he could lace 'em back up.
Source: Kansas City Star
Apr 18 - 7:44 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

The Kansas City Star reports the Chiefs have approached retired G/C Ryan Lilja about returning, and that Lilja is "receptive to the idea."

The veteran guard shifted to center last season, but said he was ready to walk away in December. "Physically, you hit a wall and your body kind of tells you to start thinking about it," Lilja said. "I wanted to be in a place where I was at peace with my decision and could move forward and never regret it. I’m there." Lilja was planning to undergo toe and knee surgeries. He'd be an option at center or left guard. LG Jeff Allen struggled mightily in 2012.
Source: Kansas City Star
Apr 9 - 3:42 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs G/C Ryan Lilja announced Monday that he's retiring from the NFL.

The former Colt just wrapped up his ninth year in the NFL, and third with the Chiefs. Aside from missing all of 2008 with a knee injury, Lilja had missed just three games since 2006. That, coupled with the fact that he played at a high level for a moribund team this season makes his decision mildly surprising. However, he'll turn 32 in October, and is clearly interested in getting out of the league while he's still ahead. Lilja was headed toward free agency, so the Chiefs may have had a hole to fill on their interior line regardless.
Source: Adam Teicher on Twitter
Mon, Dec 31, 2012 02:11:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs declared C Ryan Lilja (knee) inactive for Sunday's Week 11 game against the Bengals.

The Chiefs will be without starting RG Jon Asamoah thumb as well. Expect Russ Hochstein to start at center, Eric Winston to move to right guard and Donald Stephenson to come on at right tackle. It's a concern for starting QB Matt Cassel and the entire offense. They'll also be without WR Jon Baldwin (head). The rest of the Chiefs' inactives: QB Ricky Stanzi, DB Tysyn Hartman, RB Cyrus Gray and NT Jerrell Powe.
Sun, Nov 18, 2012 11:52:00 AM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs added C Ryan Lilja (sore neck) to the Week 10 injury report and listed him as questionable.

Lilja has started all eight games this season. He entered the season as the starting left guard, but once Rodney Hudson went on injured reserve after Week 3, Lilja was moved to center. For all of the issues Kansas City has dealt with this season, the offensive line is a strong point. The Chiefs and Steelers play on Monday night.
Source: Adam Teicher on Twitter
Sat, Nov 10, 2012 02:06:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs LG Ryan Lilja left Monday's game with a head/neck injury sustained after a Tyler Palko interception.

Lilja was absolutely crushed by DL Kyle Love. The injury is almost certainly a concussion, meaning he'll be subject to the league's testing policy. Second round pick Rodney Hudson replaced Lilja, and despite his pedigree he'll be playing out of position if pressed into action. The Chiefs drafted Hudson to play center.
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 03:17:00 AM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

The Chiefs have moved Ryan Lilja to left guard, flipping him with new right guard Jon Asamoah.

NFL teams like to have better pass blockers on the left side, or "blind side," of right-handed quarterbacks like Matt Cassel. Lilja moves better than Asamoah and was a left guard in Indianapolis. Even without Brian Waters, the Chiefs' line has a pretty good look to it. Asamoah projects as a stud run blocker.
Related: Jon Asamoah
Source: kcchiefs.com
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 11:29:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs RG Ryan Lilja has resumed practicing in full after missing Week 8 with a hand injury.

Lilja has been one of the top all-around guards in the league this season, and a steal for the $7.5 million over three years the Chiefs paid him last March. His return is good news for Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.
Source: kcchiefs.com
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 05:25:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs RG Ryan Lilja indicated that he has not been limited by knee or back injuries in offseason conditioning.

The Colts leaked Lilja's failed physical this offseason, leaving many teams to believe that he was "damaged goods." Lilja played every game last season, however, so the health risk isn't as great as initially believed.
Source: Kansas City Star
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 10:35:00 AM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Chiefs signed OG Ryan Lilja to a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

The Chiefs needed a right guard after releasing an ineffective Mike Goff and losing Wade Smith to the Texans. Lilja is a major health risk after reportedly failing a physical with the Colts, but he's a solid addition at a position of need if his knees respond to an offseason of rest.
Related: Colts
Source: Kansas City Star
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 01:37:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

According to Scout.com's Adam Caplan, free agent OG Ryan Lilja failed his most recent physical with the Colts.

That explains his release. On top of his knee problems, Lilja was also nursing a back injury the week before the Super Bowl. He may have to accept a one-year offer this offseason to prove that he can stay healthy and effective.
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Thu, Mar 11, 2010 03:04:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Colts released LG Ryan Lilja.

Lilja started in the Super Bowl, but struggled badly as a run blocker along with much of Indianapolis' front five last season. The 28-year-old missed all of 2008 due to multiple knee surgeries, returning in 2009 without much left. The Colts are likely to pursue interior offensive line help in April's draft.
Source: FOX Sports
Mon, Mar 8, 2010 05:20:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

By starting all 16 games in 2009, Colts LG Ryan Lilja triggered a clause that will return his future salaries to their original levels.

Lilja was forced to take a pay-cut after missing the 2008 season with knee problems, causing his future base salaries to drop. He's now back to $3.055 million in 2010, $3.76 million in 2011 and $4.21 million in 2012.
Source: Indianapolis Star
Thu, Feb 25, 2010 07:41:00 PM
Ryan Lilja - G - Chiefs

Colts LG Ryan Lilja (back) returned to practice Friday and is listed as "probable" for the Super Bowl.

Lilja will be fine to start Sunday. Only RE Dwight Freeney (ankle) and CB Jerraud Powers (foot) are considered questionable for the Super Bowl.
Source: Tribune Star
Sat, Feb 6, 2010 12:41:00 PM

Depth Charts

Skill Players
PosRoleName
QB1Alex Smith
2Chase Daniel
3Tyler Bray
4Ricky Stanzi
RB1Jamaal Charles
2Knile Davis
3Shaun Draughn
4Cyrus Gray
GLB1Jamaal Charles
2Knile Davis
3RB1Jamaal Charles
2Knile Davis
FB1Anthony Sherman
2Braden Wilson
WR11Dwayne Bowe
2Dexter McCluster
3Jamar Newsome
4Terrance Copper
5Mardy Gilyard
WR21Donnie Avery
2Jon Baldwin
3Devon Wylie
4Josh Bellamy
5Junior Hemingway
WR31Dexter McCluster
TE1Anthony Fasano
2Tony Moeaki
3Travis Kelce
4Kevin Brock
5Demetrius Harris
K1Ryan Succop