Former Wisconsin Badgers and New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk announced his retirement on social media Thursday night in a heartwarming post.
“What an incredible journey it’s been,” wrote Ramczyk. “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. 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 gratitude for everything this sport has given me.”
Ryan Ramczky is retiring from football after an incredible journey
As he alludes to in his post, Ramczyk initially started technical college after high school with the intentions of becoming a welder. Ramczyk didn't began his football career until a year later when he enrolled at D-III Steven's Point when his high school coach took a job with the football team. After finding success there, he transferred to Wisconsin, where he would be named First Team All-Big Ten on his way to being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Saints.
Ramczyk, much like Russell Wilson or John Tonje, only played for the Badgers for one season, but left a huge impact on the program. He is the most recent first round pick Wisconsin has had in the NFL after having two selections in 2017. There has not been another since.
Ramczyk, the Steven's Point native, is Wisconsin through and through, and will be one of the guest draft pick announcers at this year's event in Green Bay. He embodied everything it meant to be a Badger, and will go down as one of the best lineman in Wisconsin and New Orleans Saints history.