For Baltimore Ravens' left tackle Ronnie Stanley, the journey back to peak performance has been long and arduous. The 2023 Pro Bowl selection, who was once uncertain about his career's longevity, now exudes a renewed sense of optimism and confidence.
Overcoming Adversity
Stanley's career has been marred by injuries over the past four seasons, significantly impacting his time on the field. After playing only six games in 2020 and appearing in just one game in 2021, questions were raised about his ability to return to his former self. “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.
In 2022, his situation began to improve as he participated in 11 games. Building on this progress, Stanley played in 13 games this past season, demonstrating significant resilience and determination. This marked resurgence was possible due to his committed offseason training and participation in Organised Team Activities (OTAs), which were crucial in rebuilding his physical conditioning. “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 recalled.
Contract Restructuring
In a strategic move, Stanley reduced his base salary from $11 million to $3 million, a clear sign of his commitment to the team and his desire to stay on the field. Additionally, his contract now includes a void year in 2025, making him a free agent a year earlier. These decisions reflect not just financial adjustments but also a belief in his long-term career trajectory. “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,” added Stanley.
Rediscovering Form and Confidence
Despite the setbacks, Stanley's perseverance has paid off. The satisfaction he derives from feeling like his old self is palpable. “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 remarked. “For the most part, just to be able to feel like myself physically has made me a lot happier.”
Stanley's gradual return to form has been a nuanced process, requiring not only physical rehabilitation but also the rebuilding of mental confidence. He emphasized the importance of translating offseason conditioning to actual football performance: "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." This journey back to peak performance has significantly impacted his overall demeanor and outlook. “To truly feel like myself again, that’s what makes all the difference,” he said with a sense of satisfaction.
Looking Forward
With the Ravens preparing for the 2024 NFL season, Stanley’s story stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey underscores the unpredictable nature of an athlete's career and the profound impact that physical health can have on professional performance. As Stanley continues to don the Ravens' jersey, his determination to overcome adversity will certainly inspire both his teammates and fans alike.