Ryan Neuzil has secured his position as a starter for the Atlanta Falcons through dedication and perseverance. His teammate, Chris Lindstrom, noted Neuzil’s journey from an undrafted free agent in 2021 to becoming the first-team center. Unlike Lindstrom, who was a first-round draft pick and immediate starter, Neuzil began on the practice squad and gradually increased his responsibilities.
“Whatever was asked of him for four years, he always did it and got better every single day,” said Lindstrom. “Then, every moment he got the chance to prove himself on the field, he did that.”
Neuzil recently signed a two-year contract with the Falcons after participating in organized team activities (OTAs). This deal is an upgrade from his previous one-year contract under a right-of-first-refusal tender as a restricted free agent.
The Falcons have been preparing Neuzil to be their starting center since Drew Dalman left for the Chicago Bears in March. Last season, Neuzil made eight starts when Dalman was injured.
“He played really, really well for us,” said Dwayne Ledford, Falcons offensive line coach. “I thought that he played at a high level. So, to me, that was great to be able to see him in that sample size.”
Game experience is crucial for player evaluations. Before last season, Neuzil had limited playtime compared to Dalman but made significant contributions when given opportunities.
Neuzil debuted professionally during a Week 9 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 on special teams. He took his first offensive snaps during Week 18 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers that year as a guard.
His starting debut came in Week 6 against Washington Commanders as part of a jumbo package. His first start at center occurred during Week 14 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022; he started three games there in 2023 and recorded eight starts with personal-high offensive snaps in 2024.
“Honestly,” Neuzil stated about his career progression, “it was like a slow drip into my process.”
Ledford commented on Neuzil’s work ethic: “That’s Ryan Neuzil… He’s about being out there with the guys… He’s going to roll up his sleeves and go to work every day.”
Despite uncertainties about his future with Atlanta earlier this year due to contractual status changes post-OTAs announcement last week – which didn’t deter participation within offseason programs – hard work paid off ultimately securing trust among teammates including those upfront like Lindstrom who praised efforts saying: “He earned trust everybody already had from us.”
