Newly drafted Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge could hardly contain his excitement after hearing his name called during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Selected 57th overall, Ratledge spoke candidly about what it meant to join a team and coaching staff he already admired.
“I couldn’t ask for a better team and a better situation to go to. I’m so excited. I still haven’t really fully processed it yet,” Ratledge said shortly after the announcement. The former Georgia Bulldog, who anchored one of college football’s most dominant offensive lines, now steps into a Detroit team known for its tough, physical style of play — something he feels perfectly fits his identity as a player.
Ratledge made it clear that Detroit had always been on his radar. In particular, he spoke highly of Lions head coach Dan Campbell, praising his leadership style and the team culture he has built over the past few seasons.
“I’ve always been a fan of Coach Campbell and the way he runs his program,” Ratledge explained. “Everything about the way he runs his team feels like it’s a great fit.” His admiration for Campbell’s hard-nosed, player-focused approach only added to the sense that Detroit was the ideal landing spot for his NFL career.
Adding a unique and personal twist to the story, Ratledge revealed that he already had a lion tattoo on his right forearm — a choice made long before the draft process even began. Laughing about the coincidence, he remarked, “That kind of came full circle, and I didn’t even process that until now, but I mean, just a little bit of foreshadowing, I guess.”
The symbolism of the tattoo only deepened the emotional moment for Ratledge and his family. A video shared by Georgia Football captured his raw reaction to the draft call, showing him overcome with emotion while surrounded by loved ones. It was clear that this milestone wasn’t just a professional achievement, but a deeply personal one as well.
As Ratledge prepares to transition to the NFL, he brings with him not just size and skill, but also a mindset that mirrors Detroit’s no-nonsense football philosophy. Known for his powerful base, athleticism, and polished technique, Ratledge is expected to immediately compete for a starting role on the Lions’ offensive line, particularly at right guard.
The Detroit Lions traded up in the draft to secure Ratledge, signaling the high value they place on his potential. Ratledge, in turn, seems ready to reward their faith.
“I’m just ready to get to work,” he said. “This is a team that’s building something special, and I want to be part of it.”
With his enthusiasm, physical tools, and natural fit within the Lions’ culture, Tate Ratledge’s arrival in Detroit feels less like a beginning and more like a natural continuation of a journey that was destined to happen — lion tattoo and all.
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