Ronnie Stanley: A Resilient Force on the Rise for the Ravens
Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens' stalwart left tackle, has faced a tumultuous journey marked by injuries. Yet, his resilience and dedication to the sport have seen him overcome these challenges, culminating in a standout season that earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
Stanley’s absences over the past four seasons have been notable. In 2020, he was limited to just six games, and 2021 saw him on the field for a solitary appearance. The 2022 season brought some relief as he participated in 11 games. However, it was this past season where Stanley truly marked his return, playing in 13 games and showcasing the form that had once made him one of the NFL's premier left tackles.
Reflecting on the arduous path back to full fitness, Stanley admitted the doubts he harbored. "I guess being in that state when I was younger, it wasn't as savory as a moment or savory as a time, just knowing that, 'OK, your career could have been over after one play' and not knowing if I was ever going to feel like that again physically or athletically," he shared. These words underscore the mental and physical battles he confronted during his recovery.
The offseason and Organized Team Activities (OTAs) became pivotal to Stanley's resurgence. "It's more of a gradual thing. I think in the offseason, I definitely felt that, where it was like, 'Oh, yeah, I feel really good athletically. I feel like I'm doing these drills on the field really well. I feel like I'm making sharp cuts, being able to get low and be flexible,'" he elaborated. His confidence grew as he translated his conditioning into football activities during OTAs, realizing the full extent of his recovery.
"But it’s all different when you have to translate it to football," Stanley explained. "Not until I came back here, really through OTAs and just getting back into football stuff, is really when I started to feel more confident about all of that training and that rolling over to actual production." This stage was crucial for Stanley, who emphasized the importance of feeling like his old self on the field.
The culmination of this painstaking process was evident in his on-field performance, which brought a sense of fulfillment and assurance. "To truly feel like that and be out there and just notice myself getting better every day and feeling more like my old self every day, it definitely makes me happy," Stanley revealed. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference."
In a significant financial gesture benefiting the Ravens, Stanley agreed to reduce his base salary from $11 million to $3 million. This move also adjusted his contract status, making him a free agent a year earlier with 2025 being a void year. His willingness to restructure his contract underscores his commitment to the team and his confidence in his future performance.
As the Ravens prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Stanley’s resurgence offers a beacon of hope. His dedication during the offseason and OTAs has built a foundation of physical conditioning that he’s eager to translate into the upcoming campaign. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier," he stated. "To be able to perform at the standard I know I can perform at, it just makes me feel more at ease and confident in what I'm doing and that I'm going in the right direction."
Ronnie Stanley's story is one of perseverance and determination. His return to form not only adds a vital piece to the Ravens' roster but also inspires teammates and fans alike. As he steps into the new season, Stanley brings with him a renewed sense of purpose and a stellar example of overcoming adversity in professional sports.