Months of dedication and resilience have brought Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens' star left tackle, back to a place of confidence and physical fitness. After struggling with injuries for four consecutive seasons, Stanley's journey to recovery and performance demonstrates his relentless spirit and commitment to the game.
Challenging Seasons and Injury Struggles
Stanley's career has seen a tumultuous period marked by significant injuries. In 2020, he was limited to just six games. The following year proved even more challenging, with Stanley appearing in only one game. The 2022 season offered some respite as Stanley managed to participate in 11 games, but the shadow of injury still loomed large. "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 reflects.
Despite these setbacks, Stanley demonstrated remarkable progress last season, making it back on the field for 13 games. His hard work and determination earned him a selection for the Pro Bowl in 2023, a testament to his abilities and dedication.
Rebuilding and Renewed Confidence
The journey back to full fitness was not without its difficulties. Stanley's offseason training and participation in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) were pivotal in rebuilding his physical conditioning. "It's more of a gradual thing," Stanley explains. "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.'" For Stanley, translating this newly regained fitness into football performance was crucial. "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's perseverance in overcoming his physical challenges has brought about a renewed sense of self-assurance. "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," he shares. Feeling more like his old self has significantly boosted his morale: "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier."
Looking Forward
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, Stanley has made a strategic financial decision to support his career and the Ravens' roster flexibility. By reducing his base salary from $11 million to $3 million, Stanley has aligned his contract to make him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 now being a void year. This decision reflects his commitment to both his personal career goals and the Ravens' success.
With the new season on the horizon, Stanley remains focused and optimistic. "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 states. His confidence in his physical capabilities is a critical factor in his outlook. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," he affirms.
The Baltimore Ravens are keenly aware of Stanley's importance to their offensive line and overall team strength. As they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season, having a fully fit and confident Stanley could be a game-changer. His journey from injury struggles to renewed performance excellence is not only inspiring but also indicative of what lies ahead for both Stanley and the Ravens.