Boise State is bringing back one of its biggest offensive linemen for a Saturday spotlight, and the timing lines up with a celebration that reaches back two decades.
Ryan Clady, a Boise State Hall of Famer and former NFL All-Pro tackle, will raise the Blue Chaos flag before the Broncos meet Utah State on Oct. 3 at Albertsons Stadium. The appearance comes on a weekend that also marks the 20th anniversary of Boise State’s first Fiesta Bowl win, the 43-42 overtime thriller against Oklahoma.
Clady, who is from Rialto, California, made his name at Boise State as the program’s first consensus All-American. In 2007, he picked up first-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association and Sporting News, while also earning second-team recognition from the Associated Press and Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also named second-team All-America by Sports Illustrated in 2006 after helping Boise State go 13-0 and finish the year with a Fiesta Bowl victory.
He also stacked up three All-WAC selections and was part of two conference championship teams during a 32-7 stretch for the Broncos.
“It’s amazing. I haven’t been back to Boise in a few years now, so it’s special to be able to do this new tradition. There are quite a few guys that can take this honor as well, but I’m glad they chose me,” Clady said.
Boise State fans saw Clady go on to make history at the next level, too. He was the 12th overall pick by the Denver Broncos in 2008, the first time a Boise State player was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Over seven seasons in Denver, he started all 98 games he played, earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2009 and 2012, and made the Pro Bowl in those same seasons plus 2011.
Clady was also on Denver’s 2015 team that won Super Bowl 50. He finished his career with the New York Jets and retired in 2017 after 107 games. Boise State later inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2024.
Saturday’s anniversary celebration carries extra meaning for Clady, who started at left tackle in that 43-42 Fiesta Bowl classic and delivered a key block on the Statue of Liberty play that helped seal the win.
“I’m excited to hang out with the guys. That’s one of the best parts about Boise State. It’s a special brotherhood and I’m excited to get back,” he said.
The Broncos and Aggies kick off at 5:30 p.m. The game will air on CBS Sports Network, and the weekend also includes Homecoming and Parent and Family Weekend as Boise State prepares for its first conference game as a member of the Pac-12.
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