Logan Ryan did not expect the call that came his way last year when on a cruise with his family but, as the two-time Super Bowl champion announced his retirement on Tuesday, he was sure to thank the San Francisco 49ers for a surprise opportunity.
The 49ers signed Ryan in December after losing safety Talanoa Hufanga to a season-ending knee injury, San Francisco having originally contacted Ryan about potentially joining the team while he was on vacation with his family.
It proved to be a pivotal signing, with Ryan playing safety and in the slot during his brief spell with the 49ers. He played five regular-season games, starting two.
After replacing the injured and clearly struggling Ambry Thomas in the NFC Championship Game and helping the Niners complete an epic comeback win over the Detroit Lions, Ryan started in the slot during the 49ers' Super Bowl 58 overtime defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.
That proved to be Ryan's final NFL game, and he expressed his appreciation for his time with the Niners during a video post confirming the end of his career.
"Finally the San Francisco 49ers for bringing me off the cruise last season, joining a great organization, great coaching staff and a great locker room and going on a run that we had," Ryan said as he thanked all the teams for whom he played during a decorated career.
The only regret for Ryan and the 49ers is that they couldn't get over the line to get him a third Super Bowl ring.
But as he concluded his statement, Ryan said: "Eleven seasons, six championship games, three Super Bowl appearances and, ultimately, two Super Bowl rings is what we do it for. I'm so blessed man, I wouldn't change it for the world."
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