Ryan Ramczyk has officially retired from the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints’ All-Pro right tackle made a heartfelt announcement on social media Thursday night.
Ramczyk wrote, “What an incredible journey it’s been. 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 reflected 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.”
Ramczyk had not played since the 2023 season, as knee problems forced him to miss the 2024 season and led to his retirement after only eight NFL seasons, all with the Saints.
He was one of the Saints’ two first-round picks in the team’s famed 2017 NFL Draft class, which also included Marshon Lattimore (No. 11), Ramczyk (No. 32), Marcus Williams (No. 42), Alvin Kamara (No. 67), Alex Anzalone (No. 76), and Trey Hendrickson (No. 103).
The Wisconsin star became a stalwart on the right side of the offensive line, starting all 101 regular-season games he has played in, including 98 on the right side. In his seven seasons in which he played, he was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team for three consecutive years (2018-20).
He joined William Roaf as only the second Saints tackle to be named AP All-Pro three times.
Earlier on Thursday, the NFL announced that Ramczyk will be in Green Bay for this year’s draft and will announce the Saints’ second-day draft picks. New Orleans currently has the No. 40 overall pick in the second round, and two in the third round at No. 71 and 93 overall.