As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves buoyed by the resurgence of their stalwart left tackle, Ronnie Stanley. After a grueling journey through injuries and recovery, Stanley's return is not just a significant boost for the Ravens but also a personal triumph for the man who once questioned his future in the sport.
Stanley's NFL career has been a rollercoaster ride, marred by injury setbacks that have severely limited his time on the field over the past few seasons. The all-pro lineman's participation dwindled to just six games in 2020 and dropped to a single appearance in 2021. Despite these challenges, Stanley's resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he made a notable comeback, appearing in 13 games, signaling a hopeful turn in his career.
Resilience and Recovery
Stanley's path to recovery has been arduous. Reflecting on his challenging journey, he shared, "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."
However, the past offseason and Organised Team Activities (OTAs) have been instrumental in his rehabilitation. The rigorous training regimen helped Stanley rebuild his physical conditioning and regain his confidence. "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,'" said Stanley. He emphasized that while offseason drills were beneficial, it was during the OTAs when he truly started to feel his confidence grow. "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."
A Return to Form
Stanley's dedication has paid off. His performance last season earned him a selection to the Pro Bowl in 2023, a testament to his skill and determination. This accolade is not just a personal milestone for Stanley but an indication that he is once again becoming a cornerstone of the Ravens' offensive line.
Stanley is candid about the satisfaction that comes with feeling like his old self. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier." His improved physical state has been a source of joy and confidence, significantly impacting his on-field 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," Stanley remarked.
Financial Sacrifices for the Greater Good
In a bid to align his contributions with the team's needs, Stanley made a notable financial sacrifice. He agreed to reduce his base salary from $11 million to $3 million, a move that not only exemplifies his commitment to the Ravens but also provides the team with greater salary cap flexibility. This contract adjustment also means that Stanley will become a free agent a year earlier than initially planned, with 2025 now being a void year in his contract.
Looking Ahead
As the Ravens prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Stanley's return to form could not have come at a better time. His presence on the field is invaluable, offering the team both leadership and reliability. Stanley’s reflections offer a glimpse into his mindset: "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."
For Ronnie Stanley, this season is more than just a return to football; it's a testament to his tenacity and passion for the game. "To truly feel like myself again, that's what makes all the difference," he concluded. The coming season holds promise for both Stanley and the Ravens, with the potential for triumph grounded in perseverance and hard-earned recovery.