Saints All-Pro Ryan Ramczyk Calls It a Career at 30 After Gritty Battle With Knee Injuries

New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is officially hanging up his cleats at just 30 years old, after eight seasons in the NFL defined by both dominance and resilience. The three-time All-Pro announced his retirement Thursday, capping off a career that saw him transform from technical college student and aspiring welder to one of the league’s most reliable linemen.

Ramczyk broke the news through a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on his unlikely rise: "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." He added, "Sometimes the road less traveled leads to places you never expected, but it ends up being exactly where you were meant to be." His gratitude for football—and for the city of New Orleans—came through loud and clear.

Drafted in the first round by the Saints in 2017, Ramczyk started every one of his 101 regular-season games. He became only the second tackle in Saints history to earn All-Pro honors three times. If that doesn’t scream consistency, I don’t know what does.

But the journey wasn’t without its setbacks. Ramczyk’s knee troubles started cropping up in 2021, sidelining him for a big chunk of that season. He managed to stay healthy in 2022, but last year’s knee issues forced him to miss the final four games, and he sat out the entire 2024 season. Persistent injuries have a cruel way of ending even the most promising sports careers.

In his farewell, Ramczyk thanked Saints fans for their passion and energy, saying they made him feel right at home in New Orleans. He gave special shoutouts to his wife—his "rock"—and his parents, who taught him the meaning of hard work. Now, he’s looking forward to more time with his two sons and embracing a new chapter beyond the gridiron. He signed off with a classic: "Who Dat for life."

Though he’s stepping away from the field, Ramczyk will still play a part in football’s big moments. Next week, he’s set to announce the Saints’ second-day draft picks in Green Bay, Wisconsin—a fitting nod to both his NFL legacy and his Midwestern roots.