Saints All-Pro tackle Ryan Ramczyk, 30, retires after battling through knee injury

New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk on Thursday declared his retirement after an eight-year career in the NFL which saw the three-time All-Pro sidelined last season due to continued knee issues Ramczyk made his announcement in a lengthy post on social media where he highlighted his unconventional path to the pros What an incredible journey it s been My path to the NFL wasn t a straight line it wasn t the story the majority people expect There were moments when people doubted me moments when I doubted myself Ramczyk's post read CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS COM It s funny how life works out Sometimes the road less traveled leads to places you never expected but it ends up being exactly where you were meant to be In the present day I reflect on all the twists and turns that got me to this point from technical college to become a 'welder' to All-Pro in the NFL As I step into retirement I m filled with gratitude for everything this sport has given me Drafted by the Saints in the first round of the NFL Draft Ramczyk was a three-time All-Pro and appeared in regular-season games starting every single one He is just the second Saints tackle to be named an All-Pro in three seasons SAINTS' DEREK CARR'S SEASON IN JEOPARDY DUE TO NEW SHOULDER INJURY REPORTRamczyk missed a key amount of time during the season because of a knee injury According to ESPN he stayed healthy the following year but in missed the final four games due to knee issues He was sidelined all of because of the same issue To the amazing New Orleans Saints fans Thank you for embracing me from day one Your passion and capacity are unmatched you made New Orleans feel like home To my incredible wife thank you for being my rock through every high and low And to my parents who instilled in me the meaning of hard work and dedication Ramczyk continued in his post I m excited for what the future holds especially the opportunity to spend more time with my two boys and watch them grow I m looking forward to this next chapter in life and am forever grateful Who Dat for life The NFL on Wednesday revealed that Ramczyk will announce the Saints' second-day draft picks in Green Bay Wisconsin next week Follow Fox News Digital s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter