Everyone who plays high school football hopes to have their father and grandfather watch them play.
But not everyone who plays high school football is the son and grandson of NFL head coaches.
Seth Ryan is, though, and Rex and Buddy Ryan were both in the stands at Voorhees High School in central New Jersey last night to watch Seth and the Summit Hilltoppers defeat Voorhees, 41-7, in Summit's season-opener.
"Oh yeah, it's great," Buddy Ryan said, before adding with a smile, "I used to watch Rex and Rob play, and [Seth] gets the ball more than they did."
Rex, wearing a Summit football shirt and a New York Police Department Hat, and Buddy, wearing a Jets hat, sat in the stands, shook hands with fans and signed autographs throughout the game.
"It's great," Rex Ryan said. "I think every granddad would like to get to see their kid play football one day, so I think it's a great opportunity for him."
Buddy Ryan, an NFL defensive coaching legend, recently was diagnosed with neck cancer but is putting off surgery until after tomorrow's Jets-Cowboys game, where his son's will face off against each other.
"I'm going to pray nobody gets hurt," Buddy Ryan said. "That way, they [both] can play in the Super Bowl."
Seth Ryan, a 5-foot-10, 140-pound junior, had a hand in everything for Summit. He played wide receiver and cornerback. He was also the holder on field goals and extra points and returned punts.
He actually returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown, breaking a couple tackles along the way -- only to have the play called back because of a block in the back.
"It's pretty cool [having them here]," Seth said. "I'm glad my grandpa came out. It's the first time he's seen me play in high school.
"I wish I could've had that punt return for him, but it happens."
Like his father and grandfather, Seth isn't lacking in confidence, either.
"We're gonna go 12-0," Seth said with a smile. "I can guarantee it."
