The Resilient Comeback of Ronnie Stanley
In the world of professional football, few positions carry as much responsibility as the left tackle. For the Baltimore Ravens, this critical role is held by Ronnie Stanley, a player whose career has seen both incredible highs and challenging lows. Last season, Stanley made a significant return to form, showcasing resilience and determination that has defined his time in the NFL.
Stanley's journey back to the field has been marked by perseverance. A Pro Bowl selection in 2023, Stanley has battled a series of injuries that have impacted his career over the last four seasons. His participation has been sporadic at best: just six games in 2020, a solitary appearance in 2021, and 11 games in 2022. Despite these setbacks, Stanley fought his way back to play in 13 games this past season, a testament to his commitment and work ethic.
Reflecting on his turbulent past, Stanley acknowledged the uncertainty that plagued him during his recovery. "I guess being in that state when I was younger, it wasn't as savory as a moment... 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 said. This candid reflection speaks volumes about the mental and emotional hurdles he has faced.
Stanley’s offseason training and participation in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) were crucial in rebuilding his physical conditioning. According to Stanley, these preparations were a slow but steady process. "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 noted.
The transition from training drills to actual gameplay is a challenge many recovering athletes face. Stanley was no exception. "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 explained. His dedication during this period laid the groundwork for his successful return last season.
Off the field, Stanley took a significant step to ensure his continued presence with the Ravens, agreeing to reduce his base salary from $11 million to $3 million. This move, part of a contract restructuring, makes Stanley a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 now a void year. This financial flexibility has enabled the Ravens to better plan for the future while maintaining a key piece of their offensive line.
As the Ravens prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Stanley's progress offers optimism. His renewed sense of capability and strength is palpable. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," Stanley stated, a sentiment that underscores his resolve and satisfaction with his recovery. "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."
For Stanley, returning to his former form has been a gradual but deeply fulfilling journey. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier," he shared. His ability to perform at a high standard once more has not only boosted his confidence but also solidified his belief in his path forward. "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 remarked.
Ronnie Stanley’s comeback story is one of grit and tenacity. Despite enduring years of interruptions and uncertainties, his unwavering dedication to the game and to his team remains evident. As the Baltimore Ravens set their sights on the upcoming season, they do so with renewed confidence in their resilient left tackle, Ronnie Stanley.