Ronnie Stanley, the Baltimore Ravens' Star Left Tackle

Early Life and Football Career

Ronnie Stanley, born on March 18, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nevada, has established himself as one of the NFL's premier left tackles. His football journey began at Bishop Gorman High School, where he played both offensive and defensive tackle. During his senior year, he was named a USA Today All-American and a member of the Parade All-America team.

Stanley's exceptional talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he played under head coach Brian Kelly. As a true freshman, he started all 13 games at left tackle for the Fighting Irish. His impressive performances continued throughout his collegiate career, culminating in his selection as a unanimous All-American and the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2015.

NFL Draft and Baltimore Ravens

Stanley entered the 2016 NFL Draft as one of the most highly-touted offensive tackle prospects. The Baltimore Ravens selected him with the sixth overall pick, and he quickly became a mainstay on the team's offensive line. Since his rookie year, Stanley has started every game at left tackle for the Ravens, protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson's blindside.

Honors and Accolades

Ronnie Stanley's contributions to the Ravens have been widely recognized. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice (2019, 2020), the NFL All-Pro First Team once (2019), and the NFL All-Pro Second Team twice (2017, 2018). In 2019, he was also named to the Sporting News All-Pro First Team.

Injury and Recovery

In November 2020, Stanley suffered a severe ankle injury that required surgery. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the 2020 season and the entire 2021 season. During his recovery, Stanley remained dedicated to his rehab, working tirelessly to regain his strength and mobility.

In 2022, Stanley made his long-awaited return to the field. He played in 10 games, starting nine of them. While he showed some signs of rust, he also displayed flashes of his former dominance. The Ravens are hopeful that Stanley will be fully healthy and back to his Pro Bowl form in 2023.

Conclusion

Ronnie Stanley is a cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line. His exceptional talent, durability, and leadership have made him one of the most respected offensive tackles in the NFL. Despite suffering a major injury, Stanley has shown incredible resilience and determination in his recovery. With his return to the field in 2022, the Ravens are poised to make a strong playoff run in 2023.