The Ryan Job Award
We are honored to celebrate the legacy of fellow Husky rugger Ryan Job (pronounced J-Oh-B) by dedicating an award in his memory. For those who didn’t have the chance to know him, we invite you to learn more below about the incredible person and teammate he was. Ryan’s legacy is a testament to the power of faith and determination—his story inspires us all to overcome adversity and strive for greatness. We’re proud to carry his spirit with us and commit to living positively and making a difference, just as he did.
Courage Under Fire
After completing basic training, Ryan reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California. Known for his humility, tireless work ethic, and sharp sense of humor, he quickly earned the respect and trust of both his peers and instructors. In 2004, Ryan graduated with BUD/S Class 251 and was assigned to SEAL Team 3, Charlie Platoon.
Years of tactical missions followed. Eventually, SEAL Team 3 was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq—then considered the most dangerous city in the world—as part of “Task Unit Bruiser” under the command of Jocko Willink. There, Ryan’s bravery earned him the Bronze Star after he left a position of safety to lay down cover fire for his teammates during a fierce firefight, allowing them to evacuate under heavy enemy fire.
On August 2, 2006, while providing rooftop overwatch during a mission, Ryan was struck by enemy sniper fire. The bullet hit the upper receiver of his rifle, sending metal fragments into his face—an incident loosely portrayed in the film American Sniper. Despite losing his right eye and suffering life-altering injuries, Ryan refused assistance, evacuating himself from the rooftop to avoid putting others at risk. His wounds ultimately left him completely blind and led to his medical retirement from the Navy. Yet even in the face of unimaginable adversity, Ryan’s resolve never wavered.
Redefining Limits
He returned home, married, moved to Arizona, and earned his bachelor’s degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He enrolled in an MBA program and continued to challenge himself in ways few would dare. In 2008, with support from a tactical team, Ryan summited Mt. Rainier (14,411 feet) and later that year successfully hunted and harvested a 900-pound elk. In 2009, while training for an Ironman Triathlon, Ryan received news that he would soon become a father—one of his most cherished lifelong dreams.
Tragically, on September 24, 2009, Ryan passed away unexpectedly due to a preventable medical error following reconstructive surgery—marking the end of a truly heroic life.
A Legacy of Resilience and Purpose
Ryan’s legacy is one of extraordinary perseverance, unwavering faith, and deep humanity. His life continues to inspire all who hear his story—a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t defined by circumstance, but by the courage to overcome it.
To the Husky Rugby community, Ryan will always be more than a teammate. He is a symbol of integrity, grit, and compassion. The spirit he brought to the field lives on in the hearts of those who played beside him—and in the ethos of every UW Rugger who strives to be not only a better player, but a better person.
Teammate Turned Warrior
Ryan "Biggles" Curtis Job, born on March 11, 1981, in Washington State, proudly served as a Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) in the U.S. Navy. Before his military service, he played as a prop for the Husky Rugby team during the 2000 and 2001 seasons, bringing strength and dedication to the field that would later define his career and life.
In the summer before his junior year at the University of Washington, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, profoundly changed Ryan’s path. Inspired to serve, he made the courageous decision to put his education on hold and leave the Husky Rugby team to pursue a greater calling: becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL.
