Detroit Red Wings’ Bobby Ryan betting on Kansas City in Super Bowl, but rooting for Brady

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Bobby Ryan took a break from reading to his take down his Detroit Red Wings’ teammates bets on Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Ryan sounded conflicted as he explained why he picked the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I just think Kansas City is too good, but it is really hard to bet against Tom Brady in anything,” Ryan said. “Ultimately, I am going to take the young gun in Patrick Mahomes.”

Ryan spoke after the Wings’ practice at BB&T Center. The Wings play the Florida Panthers at 3 p.m. Sunday. They arrived in Fort Lauderdale late Friday after a pair of games, including Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Lightning, in Tampa, site of the Super Bowl 55.

“We are a little upbeat today because I did the Super Bowl squares for us,” Ryan said. “Everybody is hoping the score will align to win some money, but I think the overall consensus is that Tom is actually going to be the one to get it done.”

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Though he put his wager on the Chiefs, Ryan, 33, is a big admirer of Brady, 43.

“I think you tip your cap to years 12 to 15,” Ryan said. “And when you’re in 21, you’re just going, what’s happening. At this point, you’re just marveling at it. I read an article about what the rest of his draft class is doing — guys are going back to teaching, are in business, have been out of the league for 10-12 years. The fact he just continues to not only do it, but to do it at this level, it’s unthinkable. “

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Her book, The Big 50: The Detroit Red Wings is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.