About Harry Ryan
Lived 1854 – 1953 (aged 98–99). Harry Ryan was an American american football player.
Harry Wilson "Cap" Ryan (October 28, 1868 – July 29, 1953) was an early professional football player for the Latrobe Athletic Association from 1895 until 1906. He was also selected to be the first captain in that team's history.
Career Ryan played alongside John Brallier, who is considered the first openly professional football player. In 1897 he was named to the "All Western Pennsylvania Team" by The Pittsburg Times.
In 1898, he was selected by Latrobe manager David Berry to play for the Western Pennsylvania All-Stars in the very first football all-star game, against the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club. Ryan also served as advisor to Berry until 1902 when he went to Philadelphia to start the first National Football League. Ryan would play in the league for the Philadelphia Phillies that year.
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Important facts
People in Harry Ryan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Harry Ryan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Harry Ryan?
American football player
When was Harry Ryan born?
Harry Ryan was born in 1854.
When did Harry Ryan die?
Harry Ryan died in 1953.
What was Harry Ryan's occupation?
Harry Ryan was an american football player.
What nationality was Harry Ryan?
Harry Ryan was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Harry Ryan (American football)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Ryan. https://biography.guide/harry-ryan/
MLA: "Harry Ryan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-ryan/.
Chicago: "Harry Ryan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-ryan/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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