For Ronnie Stanley, the Road to Recovery Leads to Pro Bowl Recognition
Ronnie Stanley has been a cornerstone for the Baltimore Ravens as their left tackle, but his journey in recent years has been anything but smooth. The standout offensive lineman's career has been marred by injuries that sidelined him for significant portions of the past four seasons. However, 2023 proved to be a beacon of hope as Stanley not only made a comeback but also earned a spot in the Pro Bowl, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
"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 reflected on his injury troubles. His words echo the uncertainty and challenges faced by many athletes who undergo long-term rehabilitation.
Stanley's struggles began in earnest in 2020 when he managed to appear in only six games. The following year was even more brutal; he played in just one game. By 2022, there was a glimmer of hope as he took the field for 11 games, but it wasn't until the past season that he seemed to regain his form, playing in 13 games.
"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 said, highlighting the emotional and physical progress he made during his recovery.
Part of his revitalization can be attributed to extensive offseason training and participation in Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which helped him rebuild his physical conditioning. "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 explained.
The rigorous training regimen translated well onto the football field, affirming Stanley's restored confidence. "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 added.
This past season highlighted Stanley's tenacity not just through the significant playing time he logged but also in his willingness to adapt his financial and contractual commitments for the team's sake. Stanley reduced his base salary from $11 million to $3 million, a move that also adjusted his contract, making him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 being a void year.
For Stanley, the milestones accrued this season are more than just statistics on paper. "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," he stated, underscoring his mental and emotional satisfaction.
The Ravens are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, and Stanley's role will be crucial as they aim for success. His comeback story serves not only as an inspiration but also as a reminder of the perseverance and grit required to excel at the highest level of professional sports. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," Stanley emphasized, capturing the essence of his journey back to peak performance.
As the Baltimore Ravens look ahead to their next season, they do so with one of their key players back in prime condition, ready to protect the quarterback and anchor the offensive line. Ronnie Stanley’s remarkable return and Pro Bowl accolade are not just individual triumphs but a significant boost to the Ravens' aspirations. The left tackle’s story is a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of team resilience and competitiveness in the NFL.