Ryan Ramczyk retires from NFL after battling knee injuries

In New Orleans, Ryan Ramczyk, a standout right tackle for the New Orleans Saints, recently announced his retirement from professional football after an exceptional eight-year career. Ramczyk was drafted by the Saints as a first-round pick in 2017 and played every game during his first four seasons. He was highly regarded, earning All-Pro honors three times between 2018 and 2020, and he participated in 101 regular-season games, starting each one. However, the past few seasons were overshadowed by significant knee issues, which first affected his performance in 2021. Subsequently, he faced increasing challenges managing these concerns, ultimately being sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to severe cartilage degradation. This persistent injury problem prompted speculation about his ability to continue playing at a professional level. Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, Ramczyk reflected on his football journey, emphasizing moments of doubt and perseverance that defined his path. His heartfelt retirement announcement included gratitude for his time in the NFL, acknowledging the support from coaches, teammates, and fans throughout his career. Ramczyk's gratitude extended to his family, particularly mentioning how excited he was to spend more time with his children as he transitions to this new phase of life. Ramczyk's departure from the NFL comes on the heels of another Saints veteran, Terron Armstead, who also retired shortly before. The retirements signal a significant change for the Saints as they forge ahead without two crucial components of their offensive line, both of whom were instrumental in the team’s successes during their careers.