Ronnie Stanley's Road to Redemption: "To Truly Feel Like Myself Again"
Stanley's Return to Form
For Baltimore Ravens' left tackle Ronnie Stanley, the journey back to feeling like himself on the football field has been a long and arduous one. After repeatedly battling injuries that left significant gaps in his playing seasons, Stanley has finally found his stride again.
Last season, Stanley managed to be back on the field for 13 games—a substantial improvement considering the past few seasons. In 2020, he played only six games, followed by a dismal 2021 in which he appeared in just one game. Even in 2022, his participation was limited to 11 games. Injuries cast a shadow over his career, impacting his ability to contribute to the Ravens' offensive line.
"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.
A Pro Bowl Milestone
Despite the setbacks, Stanley's resilience paid off. His efforts were recognized when he was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2023, an accolade that was both a testament to his talent and his relentless drive to return to form.
"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. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier."
Dedication to Conditioning and Training
The road to recovery is never straightforward, and Stanley's off-season regimen played a crucial role in his resurgence. Engaging in rigorous training and Organized Team Activities (OTAs), he focused on rebuilding his physical conditioning, which has proven vital in his return.
"It's more of a gradual thing. I think in the off-season, 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,'" Stanley mentioned.
However, Stanley knew that excelling in individual drills was only part of the equation. "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."
Financial Considerations and Future Prospects
Reflecting his commitment to the team, Stanley made a significant financial sacrifice by reducing his base salary from $11 million to $3 million. This move also adjusted his contract to make him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 now being a void year. This decision demonstrates his prioritization of his comeback and the future of the Ravens over personal financial gain.
But beyond numbers and contracts, Stanley’s main focus remains his performance on the field. "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 affirmed.
Eyes on the 2024 Season
The Ravens are now gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, and having a rejuvenated Ronnie Stanley will be pivotal for the team. His restored confidence, coupled with his evident improvement, will make him an essential component of their offensive line.
"To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," Stanley stated. Indeed, his return to form is not just a personal victory but a significant boost for the Ravens' future prospects.
The journey has been long and fraught with challenges, but Stanley's perseverance continues to shine through, inspiring both his teammates and fans alike. As he prepares to take on the upcoming season, Ronnie Stanley's story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the unwavering spirit of an athlete determined to reclaim his place among the NFL's elite.