Ryan Ramczyk Retires From NFL After 8 Years with Saints, Missed 2024 With Knee Injury

Ryan Ramczyk, a three-time All-Pro right tackle with the New Orleans Saints, is officially retiring from the NFL.

Ramczyk, who last played in 2023, announced his retirement Thursday on social media.

"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," Ramczyk wrote. "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."

He concluded: "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 missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing offseason knee surgery. He told reporters in December 2023 that the deterioration of cartilage in his knee had impacted the final three seasons of his NFL career.

Having attended technical college before playing football UW-Stevens Point, Ramczyk broke out as a starting tackle during his 2016 season at Wisconsin.

Ramczyk earned three straight All-Pro Bowl nominations between 2018 and 2020, joining William Roaf as the second three-time All-Pro tackle to represent the Saints.

Part of the star-studded 2021 Saints draft class that included Marshon Lattimore, Trey Hendrickson and Alvin Kamara, Ramczyk started all 101 regular season games he appeared in over eight seasons with the Saints.

He most recently started 12 games for the Saints in 2023 before he was sidelined by what he described as "nagging" knee issues.

The NFL announced Thursday that Ramczyk would join the Saints in Green Bay to help the franchise announce their Day 2 selections during the 2025 NFL draft later this month. The Saints will make the No. 40, No. 71 and No. 93 picks during the second and third rounds next Saturday, April 26.