2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Meed, LB, University of Illinois

• Name: Ryan Meed
• Position: LB
• College: University of Illinois
• Height: 6’ 1”
• Weight: 230 lbs
• X (Twitter): @ryanmeed34
• Instagram: @ryan.meed

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

The reason I got into football was because I wanted to make my mom proud. I wanted to do something that was uniquely mine, my brother was a very good baseball player but I wanted to stand out myself. I tried football and fell in love with it immediately.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments of my football life is when I won my Jr. Pee Wee Championship and my family and I went to Applebee’s after. It’s a silly one but one that I always remember and never fails to put a smile on my face. The other one is more recent and it is winning the Citrus Bowl to end my college career. My whole family was in attendance down in Orlando and being able to cap off a story book season like that was truly priceless.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m looking to use football to bring people closer to Jesus. I want people to experience the same freedom that I do by serving Christ as my savior. I want to use the platform to also inspire the kids that came from my background and show them they can do it as well. With big faith, hard work, and eyes on the Lord, nothing is impossible.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I would love to hang out with Dick Butkus. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Butkus before he passed away and share a conversation with him as well. I would just like to have more time with him so I could ask more questions and learn more about his mentality and preparation going into a game. He was really a one of a one of kind person.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom inspires me the most because of how selfless she is. I could write a book on how amazing my mother is but the trait that stands out the most is how selfless she is. She completely poured herself into raising my siblings and I, day in and day out and never changed. No matter what was going on with her and her personal life she remained the fixture of our household. This is not only powerful but it is selfless. She gave her life to us so we could have life and that is one of the greatest gifts I have received, but never asked for. I love her more than words and aspire to be the person she is everyday.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite scheme is a 4-3 with 3 linebackers on the field. I think linebackers are the most versatile and slept on position on the field, and the more of them playing, the better! I understand the game has changed but there is something really special about having 3 mad men running sideline to sideline making plays as a band of brothers.

What should we know about Ryan Meed the person?

The two things I want you to know about Ryan Meed is that I love God and I love people. Those two things are the core of my being. Christ is my king and I love him openly and with a whole heart. I am by no means perfect but I am redeemed perfectly through HIM. As far as people, we are called to love people and that has been a passion of mine since I could remember. God is love, and we should all be able to experience that love here on this earth.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out in my film the most is my savviness and versatility both defensively and in special teams. I’m confident in my abilities, both physically and mentally, to put myself in good positions to make plays or help the unit be successful.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Head on. I say this to myself frequently and it is “My God is greater than me”. It seems straight forward but this helps me overcome challenges because I know that it is Christ who strengthens and his strength is limitless. Therefore when I face a challenge I rely on my faith because I understand the Lord will deliver me from any and every circumstance. Of course things get hard but keeping my perspective on the Lord allows me to get through any difficulty.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a lunch pail guy. I don’t want the glitz and glamor, I want to do whatever I need to do to help the team be successful. You will get someone who is willing to go to any length to get the job done the way it needs to get done. Most importantly, a team will get a God fearing man who loves people and wants to glorify God in what he does on Sunday’s.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

What I love most about football is the brotherhood that can never be replicated anywhere else in the world. I have met some of the most influential and incredible people in my life through this game and I am so appreciative for it.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Kerby Joesph. I was good friends with him in college and he has always been that dude. I’m so happy he is getting his flowers now because he deserves them all. He is a great ball player and an even better friend, it’s been awesome to see his success.