When McDaniel first entered the Vikings locker room as a rookie in 1988, Ryan was going on his 13th season with the Purple and Gold.
“Dennis Ryan was the only equipment guy I ever had here,” said McDaniel, who played 12 seasons in Minnesota before a two-year stint in Tampa Bay to wrap up his career. “I still think he’s the best in the business.”
Added McDaniel: “If you needed something, it was in your locker before you even asked for it.”
McDaniel defines Ryan as down-to-earth and deeply devoted to his work.
The guard recalled arriving at Winter Park some mornings before the sun broke the horizon, but even then it was impossible to get in earlier than Ryan, who was known to sleep on a sofa in his office from time to time.