Longtime New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is calling it a career.
On Thursday, Ramczyk took to Instagram to announce his retirement. The Saints’ 6’6″ standout recalled his unorthodox path, starting with him trying to become a welder, to ending up playing at the highest level in the NFL. He also made sure to thank his college stops at UW-Stevens Point and UW-Madison, the Saints’ fan base, and his wife, Rochelle.
“What an incredible journey it’s been,” wrote Ramczyk. “My path to the NFL wasn’t a straight line, it wasn’t the story most people expect. There were moments when people doubted me, moments when I doubted myself. It’s funny how life works out. Sometimes the road less traveled leads to places you never expected, but it ends up being exactly where you were meant to be. Today I reflect on all the twists and turns that got me to this point, from technical college to become a “welder” to All-Pro in the NFL. As I step into retirement, I’m filled with gratitude for everything this sport has given me.
“…I’m excited for what the future holds, especially the opportunity to spend more time with my two boys and watch them grow. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in life and am forever grateful. Who Dat for life”
The Saints selected Ramczyk to close out the first round in the 2017 NFL Draft. With Terron Armstead nursing an injury to start the 2017 season, New Orleans opted to start Ramczyk at left tackle in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Ramczyk served as the Saints’ starting left tackle for four games before moving to right tackle in Week 5. He started in all 16 games as a rookie, earning himself All-Rookie team honors.
Ramczyk was named Second-Team All-Pro in the 2018 season, then First-Team All-Pro the following year. Ramczyk was a machine during the 2019 campaign. He did not allow a single sack from a player he was guarding in all 1,058 snaps he was on the field. In 2020, Ramczyk again earned Second-Team All-Pro honors.
The Saints rewarded Ramczyk with a massive extension in 2021. However, injuries soon began piling up after he put pen to paper.
The Saints placed Ramczyk on the reserve/PUP list due to a lingering knee injury before the start of the 2024 season. Reports at the time indicated that Ramczyk’s career “could be over.” Less than a year later, Ramczyk made it official.
