Ronnie Stanley's Resilient Return to Form with the Ravens
If resilience and unwavering dedication can be personified, then Ronnie Stanley stands as the perfect example. The Baltimore Ravens' left tackle has faced a gauntlet of challenges over the past few seasons, primarily marked by recurring injuries. However, his journey has been one of perseverance, rebuilding, and eventually, triumphant return to form on the gridiron.
The 29-year-old offensive lineman missed four games last season, a relatively minor setback compared to the previous tumultuous years of his career. The 2020 season saw him playing just six games before injuries took their toll. The subsequent year was even more somber, as he only appeared in a single game.
Despite these hurdles, Stanley managed to participate in 11 games in 2022, showcasing a gradual return to his capabilities. This past season, he progressed further, making a substantial impact by showing up in 13 games. Yet, beyond the numbers, it's Stanley's resilience and renewed vigor that tell the real story.
Stanley admitted the emotional and physical toll his injuries had taken, reflecting on those challenging times. "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," he shared candidly.
After a series of frustrations and setbacks, Stanley's return to form was not a sudden epiphany but a gradual process. Rigorous offseason training and commitment to Organized Team Activities (OTAs) played significant roles in his recovery. "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 fruits of his efforts were clearly visible as he regained his physical conditioning and, more importantly, his confidence. Stanley described the pivotal moments when he started to feel like his old self again, saying, "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." His words encapsulate the significance of his journey, underscoring not just physical recovery but a psychological return to form as well.
However, the road to recovery wasn't just about regaining his previous abilities, but also refining and improving them. "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," Stanley noted. His hard work paid off when he was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2023, reaffirming his elite status in the league.
Another significant aspect of Stanley's story is his contractual adjustments. He willingly reduced his base salary from $11 million to $3 million, a gesture that underscores his dedication to the team and his desire to continue contributing to the Ravens' success. This revision also means that Stanley's contract now makes him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 being labeled as a void year.
As the Ravens gear up for the 2024 NFL season, having a robust and mentally strong Ronnie Stanley bodes well for their aspirations. For Stanley, the satisfaction derived from feeling like himself again transcends monetary gains or prestigious selections; it's about personal peace and fulfillment. "To be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier," he admitted.
Stanley's journey teaches invaluable lessons about perseverance, the importance of mental strength, and the relentless pursuit of one’s best self. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," Stanley concludes, his words a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for the game.