Ronnie Stanley's Resilience Drives His Comeback
As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for the 2024 NFL season, all eyes are on left tackle Ronnie Stanley, whose journey back to fitness has been marked by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to the team. Stanley missed four games last season and, by his own admission, never felt entirely himself. However, a grueling offseason of training and recovery has brought newfound optimism as the 2023 Pro Bowl selection prepares to be a cornerstone of the Ravens' offensive line once again.
Injury Woes and Recovery
Stanley’s career has been marred by injuries over the past four seasons, severely impacting his on-field performance. He managed to play only six games in 2020, followed by an even more challenging 2021, when he appeared in just one game. Last year showed signs of a potential resurgence as he participated in 11 games, while this past season saw him back on the field for 13 games. Yet, his body never quite felt right, and the toll of continuous recovery exacted a psychological toll.
"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 said. "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."
Financial Sacrifice for Team Loyalty
In a league where financial considerations often dominate player decisions, Stanley's commitment to the Ravens remains steadfast. Opting to take a substantial pay cut, he reduced his base salary from $11 million to $3 million to support the team financially and roster flexibility. This selfless move also adjusted his contract, making him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 now a void year. Clearly, Stanley is not ready to part ways with the Ravens just yet.
Renewed Confidence and Training
The offseason has been kind to Stanley, who now feels more like the player he envisioned himself to be when entering the NFL. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier," he shared. His offseason training and Organised Team Activities (OTAs) allowed him to rebuild his physical conditioning while reinforcing his mental resilience.
"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 explained. "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."
Aiming to Lead the Offensive Line
With newfound physical and mental strength, Stanley’s objectives for the 2024 season are clear. He aims to elevate the Ravens' offensive line, providing stability and protection for his teammates. "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 remarked.
Observing daily improvements in his recovery has been a significant morale booster for Stanley. Without the cloud of uncertainty that previously loomed, he can focus on excelling on the field and helping the Ravens pursue their championship aspirations.
"To truly feel like myself again," Stanley mused, "that’s what makes all the difference."