For the second time in less than a month an elite New Orleans Saints offensive lineman is officially calling an end to his career.
Ryan Ramczyk announced Thursday evening that he was retiring from the NFL, a predictable end after degenerative knee issues derailed the 30-year-old's career a bit earlier than anticipated. His longtime teammate Terron Armstead announced his retirement earlier this month.
"What an incredible journey it's been," Ramczyk posted on Instagram. "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 techical 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 owe a gian thank you to the game of football, and to the countless coaches and teammates who have supported and challenged me along the way. I'm especially thankful to UW-Stevens Point for welcoming me with open arms, for UW-Madison for taking a chance on a Division III transfer and to the New Orleans Saints for believing in me at the highest level.
"To the amazing New Orleans Saints fans. Thank you for embracing me from day one. Your passion and energy are unmatched, you made New Orleans feel like home.
"To my incredible wife, thank you for being my rock through every high and low. And to my parents, who instilled in me the meaning of hard work and dedication.
"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."
Ramczyk was one of the key pieces in the vaunted 2017 draft class that helped revitalize the Saints franchise after three consecutive 7-9 seasons. The Saints picked Ramczyk at No. 32 overall in that draft, a pick acquired in the trade of Brandin Cooks to the Patriots. Cooks, ironically, rejoined the Saints this offseason as a free agent.
The former Wisconsin Badger didn't miss a beat in his transition to the NFL, starting 16 games a rookie split between right and left tackle. He settled in on the right side and formed an elite tandem with Armstead for multiple seasons, three time landing on All Pro rosters and helping lead the Saints to four consecutive NFC South titles and multiple deep playoff runs. At one point Ramczyk was the highest paid right tackle in the NFL.
Ramczyk's early career was a picture of durability, appearing in 53 of 54 possible games over his first four seasons. That changed in Year 5, with knee injuries limiting Ramczyk to just 10 games. The Saints managed Ramczyk's workload and he played another 16-game season in 2022, but knee issues resurfaced to end his 2023 season early, and Ramczyk admitted at the time his career could be in jeopardy. The rehab went full-speed the following season and there was some hope he could return, but knee issues led to Ramczyk missing the entire 2024 season. Once Ramczyk reduced his salary to the league minimum to help the Saints ease their cap burden this season, something that both Drew Brees and Malcolm Jenkins did prior to calling it a career, a retirement became all but a matter of time.
Once the move is finalized, the Saints will have to account for the remaining $23 million of Ramczyk's deal split over the next two seasons.
The Saints have moved on at both tackle spots with a pair of first round picks in Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning, but they're yet to make the postseason since the departure of their two stalwarts on the edges.
Perhaps the next Saints offensive lineman's name will be ready by Ramczyk himself? He was named among the players set to announce their former team's draft pick on Day 2. The Saints pick No. 40 overall.
