Ryan Kerrigan
A relentless defensive end whose motor never quit, he became the heart of Washington's defense and a model of quiet, consistent excellence.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player and coach·Birthday: August 16·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Kerrigan's football story is one of Midwestern grit translating into professional dominance. At Purdue, he transformed from a three-star recruit into a destructive force, leading the nation in sacks and earning All-American honors. Drafted by Washington in 2011, he immediately established himself as a pillar of the defense, starting every game for his first eight seasons. His game was built not on flash but on a relentless, high-motor style that produced pressure and sacks with metronomic regularity. Kerrigan retired as the franchise's all-time sack leader, a testament to his durability and production, and later returned as a coach, aiming to instill his work ethic in a new generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ryan was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to four Pro Bowls (2012, 2016, 2018, 2019) during his tenure with Washington.
- Recorded 95.5 career sacks, retiring as the Washington franchise's all-time leader in that category.
- Earned unanimous All-American honors in 2010 after leading the NCAA in sacks (14) and forced fumbles (5).
- Played in 156 consecutive games to start his NFL career, a remarkable streak of durability for a pass rusher.
Did You Know?
He was a three-sport star in high school, also playing basketball and baseball.
Kerrigan recorded a sack in his first NFL game, setting the tone for his career.
He was known for his 'Sack Rally' celebration, mimicking a baseball home run swing.
He won the NFC Defensive Player of the Month award in December 2017.
“I study the tackle, the sack—it's a craft.”
