SF 49ers: 3 things to know about new DC DeMeco Ryans

No. 2: 10-Year Veteran

It was not that long ago that Ryans was still active in the NFL. He had an illustrious career as an NFL linebacker for 10 years.

He spent his first six seasons with the Texans which included his 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He followed that up with Pro Bowl selections in 2007 and 2009.

In 2012, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles where he spent the next four seasons. The Eagles released Ryans ahead of the 2016 season after which he decided to call it quits and retire from playing.

Over his 10-year career, Ryans logged 970 tackles, 74 of which were for a loss, 13.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, 46 passes defended and seven interceptions over a total of 140 games played.