Ryan Ramczyk is calling it a career after eight seasons in the NFL.
The star Saints offensive lineman announced his retirement through a social media post on Thursday night.
“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 posted on Instagram. “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 graтιтude for everything this sport has given me.”
Ramczyk, 30, spent the entirety of his NFL career with New Orleans after getting drafted by the team in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The right tackle was named to three consecutive All-Pro selections from 2018-20, earning first-team honors for his 2019 season, marking just the second Saints tackle to make an All-Pro team three times.
In each season, he played at least 95 percent of the snaps.
Before being a first-team All-Big Ten Conference lineman at Wisconsin, Ramczyk was a member of the Division III Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned back-to-back first-team All-WIAC honors before transferring to the main campus.
“I owe a giant thank you to the game of football, and to the countless coaches and teammates who have supported and challenged me along the way,” Ramczyk continued. “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.”
Ramczyk was sidelined for all of the 2024 NFL season as he battled multiple knee problems throughout the year.
The NFL announced Thursday that Ramczyk will announce the Saints’ second-day draft picks in Green Bay next week.
