NFL player goes back to school

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Former Purdue football player Ryan Kerrigan made a big impact during his rookie season in the NFL, but this semester, he's trading in his cleats for a class schedule.

Ryan Kerrigan may look like any other student at Purdue, but this 23-year-old lives a double life. Playing as a linebacker during the regular football season for the Washington Redskins, and finishing his degree in sociology at Purdue in the off-season.

"Well, in football we always talk about finishing. You know, you want to play all four quarters, you want to finish in the fourth quarter what you started, and that's kind of the same approach I am taking to academics, because I started this thing four years ago, not knowing I would be going to the NFL. And just because I am in the NFL doesn't mean I can't finish it now," said Kerrigan.

Kerrigan said obviously many things have changed since he was a student athlete taking to the field here at Ross-Ade stadium, but he said one of the biggest adjustments has been coming back to Purdue as just another student.

"Last fall, when I would get off work, I would maybe get home, watch a little film, eat some dinner and I would be done for the night. Now I have homework, I've got readings to do so the days are just as long, if not longer than they were during the season," said Kerrigan.

Kerrigan's former coach, Danny Hope, said he's proud, even going so far as to say that he hopes other, younger players will see the former Boilermaker as an inspiration.

"For him to come back to Purdue, right after his rookie season is over and pursue his degree, I think, speaks volumes to the value of the Purdue education. And also how important it is for the others to stay and get their degree," said Hope.

"Football is not forever. It's been said numerous times. It's not forever. Your body can only hold up so long in the National Football League, so you got to have a plan for later in life," said Kerrigan.

Kerrigan told NewsChannel 18 he has not ruled out the possibility of grad school, and one day, he sees himself teaching and, hopefully, coaching football.