Jon Runyan

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Philadelphia Eagles
currentnumber=69
currentposition=Offensive tackle
birthdate=birth date and age|1973|11|27
birthplace=Flint, Michigan
heightft=6
heightin=7
weight=330
debutyear=1996
debutteam=Houston Oilers
highlights=
* Pro Bowl selection (2002)
college=Michigan
draftyear=1996
draftround=4
draftpick=109
pastteams=
* Tennessee Titans (1996-1999)
* Philadelphia Eagles (2000-present)
statweek=5
statseason=2008
statlabel1=Games played
statvalue1=191
statlabel2=Games started
statvalue2=181
nfl=RUN804626

Jon Daniel Runyan (November 27, 1973 in Flint, Michigan) is an American football player who currently plays offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. He is also a part owner of the AFL San Diego Riptide.

College career

Runyan was recruited out of Carman-Ainsworth High School in Flint, Michigan where he played college football and attended the University of Michigan (1992-1995). Runyan wore number 69 in college as well as in the pros. Runyan was redshirted his first year at Michigan and entered the NFL Draft with a year of eligibility remaining. He started at both tackle and guard during his sophomore through senior seasons. Following his sophomore year, he was awarded the Hugh Rader Award, given annually to the team's top offensive lineman.

NFL career

Selected for the Pro Bowl in 2002. He was drafted in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) during the 4th round (109th pick overall). Runyan played with the Oilers/Titans from 1996 through 1999 and with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2000 through present. He was signed by Philadelphia as an unrestricted free agent.

On March 24, 2006 the Philadelphia Eagles announced that OT Jon Runyan had re-signed with the team. Terms of the deal were undisclosed, but Runyan had been rumored to be seeking a 3-year deal worth $18 Million. He had visited with the New York Jets prior to re-signing with the Eagles.

Runyan holds the remarkable streak for an offensive lineman of having started 180 consecutive regular season games. This is the 4th longest active streak among active NFL players. He has also started in all 18 playoff games his teams have appeared in during this streak.

In a 2007 game against the Dallas Cowboys, Runyan instructed Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to take a knee at the one-yard-line rather than score a touchdown with two minutes left in the game so that Dallas would not get the ball back. Westbrook followed Runyan's suggestion; the ploy worked; and Philadelphia won the game.

Personal

Married to Loretta. 3 Children: Jon Daniel Jr., Alyssa & Isabella. Runyan has been a resident of Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey. [Brookover, Bob. [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13956653_ITM "Free agent Runyan to visit Jets today: The right tackle is also talking to the Birds. His goal is to stay near home and also get a good deal."] , "The Philadelphia Inquirer", March 21, 2006. Accessed July 12, 2008. "Runyan, 32, said this is likely to be his last NFL contract, and it is clear that he would like to remain with the Eagles if the price is right. Barring that, he wants to remain as close to his Mount Laurel home as possible."]

Trivia

* A Flint-Area annual high school track invitational, hosted by Carman-Ainsworth High School, is named in his honor: The "Jon Runyan Classic"
* Was two-time Michigan state shot put champion.
* Is known to fans around the NFL as "Big Ol' Jon Runyan" due to John Madden frequently referring to him as such.
* In a Sports Illustrated magazine, Runyan was ranked number two on the NFL's Dirtiest Players List.
*Jon Runyan loves to bowl and does a lot of charity events through bowling.
*Jon Runyan made his debut as a broadcast analyst during the 2007 NFL Europa season, calling a game between the Berlin Thunder and the Hamburg Sea Devils.
*Since Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair announced his retirement on April 17, 2008, Jon Runyan is now the last player in the NFL who played for the former Houston Oilers.

References

External links

* [http://www.BigJonRunyan.com Jon Runyan's Official Website]
* [http://www.nflplayers.com/players/player.aspx?ID=23928 NFL Players Profile]