Ronnie Stanley's Resilient Return in 2023: Overcoming Adversity to Shine Once More
Ronnie Stanley's journey back to the football field for the Baltimore Ravens has been a testament to resilience and determination. After a series of injuries that sidelined him for significant parts of the past four seasons, the left tackle's successful return in 2023 is a story worth celebrating.
Injuries have been a harsh reality for Stanley since 2020. He played only six games that year and saw the field for just one game in 2021. The 2022 season brought some relief as he managed to participate in 11 games. However, it wasn't until the 2023 season that Stanley truly made his comeback, featuring in 13 games and earning a Pro Bowl selection.
Reflecting on his arduous path back to form, Stanley candidly shared his thoughts on the challenges he faced. "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 said. The fear of a career-ending injury loomed large, but Stanley's resolve never wavered.
The offseason and Organised Team Activities (OTAs) played crucial roles in Stanley's rehabilitation. "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 noted.
However, translating the offseason work to on-field performance was a different challenge. "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 explained. His dedication paid off as he reclaimed his position and made significant contributions to the Ravens' offense.
Stanley's performance in 2023 wasn't just about playing games; it was about rediscovering his best self on the field. "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. His satisfaction stems from his ability to perform at the high standards he sets for himself. "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 added.
Moreover, Stanley made a significant financial sacrifice to aid his team, reducing his base salary from $11 million to $3 million. This adjustment not only underscored his commitment to the Ravens but also altered the dynamics of his contract, making him a free agent a year earlier, with 2025 now a void year. This move resonates with his team-first mentality and the drive to contribute, regardless of personal gain.
Stanley's remarkable recovery and his return to form have been a source of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike. His journey underlines the importance of perseverance and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adverse conditions. "To truly feel like myself again, that's what makes all the difference," he concluded.
As the Ravens prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Stanley's presence and performance promise to be pivotal. His resilience not only underscores his individual strength but also embodies the spirit of the Ravens' squad—fighting through adversity and emerging stronger than before.