As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for the 2024 NFL season, one player's resurgence stands out: Ronnie Stanley. The left tackle, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, is back and reflecting on his journey. His performance and determination have once again made him a pivotal part of the Ravens' lineup.
From the Brink of Early Retirement
Stanley's career seemed bright when he was recognized as one of the best left tackles in the league. However, repeated injuries over the past four seasons cast a shadow over his promising trajectory. These setbacks were more than just physical hurdles; they threatened his entire career. "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," Stanley recalls.
Battling Through the Seasons
The road to his current form was long and arduous. In 2020, Stanley managed to play only six games. The following year was even harsher, limiting his on-field presence to a single game. The 2022 season saw some improvement, as he participated in 11 games. His return to the field for 13 games last season marked a significant step forward in his recovery and performance. "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," he says, emphasizing how crucial each game's progress has been for him.
Pro Bowl Return and Contract Adjustments
Proof of Stanley's resilience came with his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2023. This accolade was not just a testament to his skills but also his resolve to overcome adversity. Yet, the journey to this point required sacrifices. Stanley agreed to reduce his base salary from $11 million to $3 million, facilitating financial flexibility for the team and ensuring his continued presence in the roster. His contract now includes a stipulation making him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 being a void year. Despite these financial concessions, Stanley remains focused on his primary goal: excelling on the field.
Rebuilding Through Training
A critical component of Stanley's return has been his dedication to offseason training and Organized Team Activities (OTAs). These have played a vital role in rebuilding his physical conditioning, making him better prepared for the rigors of the NFL season. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier," Stanley shares. This progress, he notes, has been gradual and steady. "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.'"
Such preparation, according to Stanley, is different from translating those drills and conditioning to actual football gameplay. "But it’s all different when you have to translate it to football. 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," he explains.
A New Chapter
With the physical hurdles increasingly behind him, Stanley now looks forward to the 2024 season with renewed confidence. His mental and physical states are aligning, creating a promising outlook for his performance. "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," Stanley affirms. This optimism is contagious and bodes well for the Ravens as they prepare for another competitive season.
Ultimately, Stanley's story is one of resilience and determination. His journey back to top form underscores the challenges professional athletes face and their unwavering commitment to overcoming them. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," Stanley concludes. His return not only fortifies the Ravens' lineup but also serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance and dedication in the world of professional sports.