Ryan Neuzil Explained

Ryan Neuzil
Current Team:Atlanta Falcons
Number:64
Position:Guard
Birth Date:31 July 1997
Birth Place:Bradenton, Florida, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:301
High School:Braden River (FL)
College:Appalachian State (2016–2020)
Undraftedyear:2021
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:26
Statlabel2:Games started
Statvalue2:4
Pfr:NeuzRy00

Ryan Neuzil (born July 31, 1997) is an American football guard for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Appalachian State and was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in .

Early years

Neuzil was born on July 31, 1997, in Bradenton, Florida. He attended Braden River High School and played tight end there, recording 26 receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns as a senior. He was a first-team all-district and all-area selection at tight end, and also served as the team's punter, having an average of 45 yards-per-punt.[1]

A two-star prospect, Neuzil chose Appalachian State out of 12 scholarship offers.[2] His position was changed to center upon joining the school's football team.[3] As a true freshman in 2016, Neuzil redshirted. In 2017, he appeared in seven games, beginning the year as backup center before being moved to starter at left guard. As a sophomore in 2018, Neuzil started all 13 games as a left guard and was selected second-team all-conference by Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Neuzil was named a first-team all-conference selection as a junior in 2019, having started all 14 games as the team's left guard. In 2020, he started 12 games and was named first-team all-conference by PFF and third-team by the league's media and coaches. He was also named second-team All-American by Sporting News and PFF, and was a fourth-team selection by Phil Steele. He declared for the NFL Draft following the season.[4]

Professional career

After going unselected in the 2021 NFL draft, Neuzil was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.[5] He was waived at the final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad afterwards.[6] [7] He was released on October 29,[8] but was then brought back on November 1.[9] After spending the entire 2021 season on the practice squad, Neuzil signed a future contract with Atlanta in January 2022.[10] He was waived at the final roster cuts again in, and was then brought back as a member of the practice squad.[11] Neuzil was elevated to the active roster for the Falcons' week nine game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and made his NFL debut in the 17–20 loss, appearing on four special teams snaps.[12] [13] He was promoted to the active roster on November 22, 2022.[14]

On March 3, 2024, Neuzil signed a one–year contract extension with the Falcons.[15]

Personal life

Neuzil's father Jeff played in the Kansas City Royals organization at the Triple-A level.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ryan Neuzil . Appalachian State Mountaineers.
  2. News: January 26, 2016 . Braden River TE Ryan Neuzil headed to Appalachian St. . . B2 . Newspapers.com.
  3. News: Dill, Jason . December 22, 2017 . Pirates alumnus driving App State bowl run . . B1, B4 . Newspapers.com.
  4. News: Kohn, Ryan . February 3, 2021 . Can you feel a draft? . Your Observer.
  5. News: Taylor, Ian . May 3, 2021 . App sends two to NFL as Packers draft Jean-Charles, Neuzil signs with Falcons . Watauga Democrat.
  6. Brener, Jeremy . August 31, 2021 . Falcons 53-Man Roster: Did New QB Josh Rosen Make It? . Sports Illustrated.
  7. September 1, 2021 . Falcons Sign 15: Falcons Practice Squad Tracker . Sports Illustrated.
  8. October 29, 2021 . Falcons Make 2 Roster Moves, Get A.J. Terrell Injury Update . Sports Illustrated.
  9. Web site: Ryan Neuzil Transactions & Injuries . SportsForecaster.com.
  10. News: Ledbetter, D. Orlando . January 10, 2022 . Falcons make first moves of the offseason, sign 17 . Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  11. Brener, Jeremy . August 31, 2022 . Falcons Name 12 to Practice Squad, Including Georgia Bulldogs Ex Justin Shaffer . Sports Illustrated.
  12. Flick, Daniel . November 5, 2022 . Falcons Place Starting LG Elijah Wilkinson on Injured Reserve . Sports Illustrated.
  13. Web site: Ryan Neuzil Stats . Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  14. News: McElhaney, Tori . November 22, 2022 . Falcons sign offensive lineman to 53-man roster, plus other roster moves announced . November 22, 2022 . AtlantaFalcons.com.
  15. Web site: Falcons sign OL Ryan Neuzil to one-year extension, per report. March 3, 2024. sports.yahoo.com. en.