Ronnie Stanley: Journey Back to Form
Baltimore Ravens' left tackle Ronnie Stanley has had a tumultuous few seasons, but his recent return to the field marks a significant milestone in his career. Despite being plagued by injuries, Stanley's resilience and determination have culminated in a comeback that has not only boosted his performance but also his morale.
Stanley's struggles began in 2020 when injuries limited him to just six games. The following year was even tougher, with Stanley appearing in only one game. The 2022 season saw some improvement, as he played in 11 games. This past season, Stanley made 13 appearances, showing a clear trajectory of recovery and improvement.
Reflecting on his journey, Stanley shares, "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." These words capture the uncertainty and fear he faced, making his return to form all the more remarkable.
Pro Bowl Selection and Career Adjustments
Stanley's hard work and dedication were recognized with a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, a testament to his skill and perseverance. However, his career has required adjustments beyond the field. Earlier this year, Stanley took a significant pay cut, reducing his base salary from $11 million to $3 million. This move, a strategic decision, has altered the landscape of his contract, making him a free agent a year earlier with 2025 now being a void year.
These financial adjustments underscore Stanley's commitment to the team's salary cap flexibility and his long-term vision for his career. "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," Stanley emphasizes, reflecting his current state of mind.
Rebuilding Through Offseason Efforts
Stanley's offseason training and participation in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have played a crucial role 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,'" Stanley elaborates on his methodical approach to regaining his form.
The transition from training to actual gameplay, however, required an additional layer of 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 adds. This gradual build-up from training ground drills to in-game performance highlights the complexities of returning from protracted injury setbacks.
Optimism and the Road Ahead
As the Ravens prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Stanley's resurgence injects a sense of optimism into the team. "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 says, conveying his joy and fulfillment at being able to compete at the highest level once again.
"To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," Stanley concludes, succinctly capturing the essence of his journey. His narrative is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering dedication, attributes that will undoubtedly inspire his teammates and fans alike as they embark on another challenging season.