After an impressive eight-year stint, three-time All-Pro Ryan Ramczyk has traded in his cleats for a welder's cap, proving that even NFL players can take a side job with sparks and steel.

Ramczyk's retirement signals the end of a stellar career where he played every game of his NFL tenure with the New Orleans Saints, amassing 101 regular-season appearances and earning All-Pro honors three times. However, instead of sticking to the traditional post-football commentary route, the All-Pro tackle is embracing his roots as a welder, demonstrating that sometimes, the only thing tougher than blocking defenders is working with hot metal.

Ryan's journey to the NFL was anything but conventional. Before he became a household name in professional football, he honed his skills in the most unexpected setting: the welding shops. In a world where most players boast of their prodigious athletic talent from a young age, Ramczyk's path involved the rather unglamorous yet critically important art of metal fabrication. It seems that while some players were rehearsing their touchdown dances, Ramczyk was practicing how to properly brave the elements with a welding torch in hand. Apparently, nothing says dedication like being able to block both players and metal rods.

However, Ramczyk's road to retiring at the ripe old age of 30 wasn't just about learning the finer points of welding. He found himself grappling with significant knee issues that ultimately sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. Despite these setbacks, he maintained impressive durability during his playing years, never missing a game until knee issues caught up with him. Some might say his knees were simply staging a coup after years of being overworked; who could blame them? After all, they were tasked with holding up 300 pounds of muscle and occasionally, the weight of entire games on their fragile joints.

Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Saints, Ramczyk took the league by storm, quickly establishing himself as not just a reliable tackle, but one of the best. Consistently playing at least 95 percent of the snaps during his career, he had the audacity to make every moment on the field count. One could say he was more present than many of us at our daytime jobs — but probably with fewer coffee breaks. Statistics show that his relentless performance was matched only by his commitment to the craft, making him an essential player for the Saints during his tenure.

In his heartfelt retirement announcement, Ramczyk reflected on his journey while also expressing deep gratitude towards his family, coaches, and teammates. It appears the welding community has not seen the last of Ramczyk, as he plans to channel his experiences into what he refers to as 'a new chapter.' Perhaps we will soon witness a crossover franchise of metal art and sports analysis; only time will tell if the world is ready for such avant-garde innovation.

While Ramczyk stepping away from football leaves a significant gap in the Saints' offensive line, his legacy will not be without its shining moments. He became only the second tackle in Saints history to earn All-Pro honors for three seasons running. A feat that must have impressed not only the stat geeks but also the dedicated fans who fill the stands. Ramczyk certainly understood the assignment; play well, block well, and occasionally showcase some welding skills on the side.

In an interesting twist, Ramczyk is not entirely stepping away from the limelight just yet. He is set to make an appearance next week in Green Bay to announce the Saints’ second-day draft picks. One can only wonder what will go through potential draftees' minds as they consider the magnitude of facing a former All-Pro now turned draft announcer. Perhaps Ramczyk's advice might include tips on how to handle pressure — or maybe just how to heat up a sandwich in a welding shop.

As Ryan Ramczyk closes the chapter on his football career, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, hard work, and, of course, a touch of welding flair. He may have hung up his cleats, but with his tools in hand, he's ready to forge ahead into a future filled with bright sparks and potential welding masterpieces. Here's hoping there are no more ‘knee’ puns on this new journey.