Former Wisconsin Badgers offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk has announced that he will retire from the sport for good after not playing even just one game for the New Orleans Saints last season.
The 30-year-old announced on his Instagram account that he is walking away from the game after years of trying to recover from knee injuries. He hasn’t played a game since 2023.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Spj Ryan Ramczyk Camp 062719 7717 Ttm
Ramczyk created his own legend in New Orleans, playing a total of eight seasons for them.
He won his first and only First-team All-Pro in 2019. He also received two Second-team All-Pro award (2018, 2020).
Ramczyk thanks Wisconsin Badgers
The 30-year-old OT exemplifies hard work.
He started his college career with Division III program Wisconsin–Stevens Point Pointers. He played one season there and won Second Team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).
Opportunity knocked on his door when his former coach Paul Chryst got the main job in UW-Madison. He applied for a position and fortunately got it.
This is why he is thankful to the Badgers program in his IG post.
“I’m especially thankful to UW-Stevens Point for welcoming me with open arms, to 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.”
He did not disappoint Chryst as he played his heart out and won the All-Big Ten Conference in 2016.
From there, he became a coveted tackle and eventually got drafted 32nd overall by the Saints in the 2017 draft.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
