NFL Player Eats It on 'American Ninja Warrior'

Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan is used to kicking footballs in the Super Bowl, but when that gets boring, he likes getting his butt kicked in NBC’s obstacle course competition series American Ninja Warrior.

In the Season 7 premiere, Ryan had some trouble: After successfully navigating the first two obstacles, he looked to be in good shape. But when he was unable to traverse the giant tilting tabletop, his Ninja Warrior days were numbered. At least we’ll always have the plethora of gridiron puns from co-hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila (a former NFL player himself) to remember.

For those wondering, last season’s fan favorite ninja, Kacy Catanzaro, will return this year. She talks about her success, impact, and strategy in the interview below.

American Ninja Warrior airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC. The Season 7 premiere repeats May 26 at 8 p.m. on Esquire Network.