All-Time Great Saints OT Ramczyk Retires

New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk took to social media last Thursday night to announce his retirement from the NFL, bringing an end to a distinguished career marked by resilience and excellence. Ramczyk, one of two Saints first-round picks in the 2017 draft, had been battling persistent knee problems that sidelined him for much of the recent seasons, ultimately influencing his decision to step away from professional football. Despite these challenges, Ramczyk started all 12 games he appeared in during the 2023 season, demonstrating his commitment and determination to contribute whenever possible.

Ramczyk was the 32nd overall pick in the 2017 draft and the second selection in what proved to be one of the most successful draft classes in Saints franchise history. That remarkable 2017 class not only produced Ramczyk but also saw the emergence of standout players such as Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore—both Rookies of the Year—All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, safety Marcus Williams, and linebacker Alex Anzalone. Together, these athletes reshaped the Saints’ roster and contributed significantly to the team’s success over the years.

Ramczyk was a stalwart on the right side of the offensive line, starting all 101 regular-season games he played in throughout his seven seasons, with 98 of those starts coming at right tackle. His consistency and elite-level play earned him recognition as one of the league’s premier linemen. He was honored with selections to the Associated Press All-Pro team for three consecutive years, from 2018 through 2020—a rare feat that highlights his sustained dominance at his position. By joining the legendary William Roaf as only the second Saints tackle to earn three AP All-Pro nods, Ramczyk firmly established his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time great offensive linemen. His retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter for both him and the Saints.