Ronnie Stanley's Resurgence: Finding Form and Fitness
Baltimore Ravens' left tackle Ronnie Stanley has experienced a tumultuous four seasons, marked by severe injuries that threatened to derail his promising NFL career. From the highs of being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2023 to the lows of playing only six games in 2020 and a solitary appearance in 2021, Stanley's journey back to form has been anything but straightforward. However, recent developments suggest a positive turn, both in terms of his physical fitness and his outlook on the game.
Returning to the fold for the Ravens, Stanley participated in 13 games this past season—his highest tally since this injury-laden period began. This significant improvement in game appearances also came on the heels of a reduced base salary from $11 million to $3 million, a move designed to accommodate the Ravens' tight salary cap while also making Stanley a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 set as a void year.
His bout with injuries over recent seasons has understandably left Stanley with a heightened awareness of the precariousness of an athlete's career. "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.
Regaining Confidence through OTAs and Offseason Training
The pivotal factor in Stanley’s return to form has been an intense focus on offseason training, culminating in Organized Team Activities (OTAs). These sessions not only helped him rebuild his physical conditioning but also restored his confidence in his athletic abilities. "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 shared.
However, Stanley emphasized that translating offseason conditioning to actual game performance is a different challenge altogether. "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 noted.
The Ravens are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with an eye on harnessing Stanley’s renewed form and fitness. His return to near-full participation levels signals a crucial addition to an offensive line tasked with protecting their quarterback and carving out paths for their run game.
A Journey from Doubt to Acceptance
For Stanley, the journey from injuries to a sense of normalcy has been an enlightening one. "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 said. "For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier."
As someone whose career has been markedly punctuated by periods of immense physical struggle, Stanley's remarks underscore the invaluable nature of consistent physical health for an athlete. "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 added.
With the 2024 season looming, the Ravens are undoubtedly buoyed by Stanley’s resurgence. His presence will be pivotal, and his journey serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience required to overcome serious setbacks. "To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference," concluded Stanley.
As fans and analysts alike turn their attention to the upcoming season, Stanley's story not only provides a glimpse into the physical and mental fortitude necessary to thrive in professional sports but also highlights the meticulous planning and adjustments that underpin a successful return to form. The Baltimore Ravens are optimistic that Stanley’s perseverance will translate to triumphs on the field, anchoring their offensive line as they chase their NFL aspirations.