Ryan Clady Signs One Day Contract to Retire A Bronco

One of the premier left tackles in Denver Broncos history, Ryan Clady signed a one year deal to retire as a Bronco. He will be honored on Sunday.

Before there was Garett Bolles, Ryan Clady was the big time left tackle in Denver. He was responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side. With his injury history, he decided to walk away from the game. Now he will be a Denver Bronco for life.

On Saturday, Ryan Clady returned to where it all began and signed a one day ceremonial contract to retire as a Denver Bronco. The team will honor him in Sunday’s season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ryan Clady was drafted 12th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. During his first few seasons, he saw a lot of success. He was one of the best tackles to play the game that I know of. He certainly was one of the best offensive linemen to play in a Broncos uniform.

Clady was well on his way to an amazing career. However, injuries plagued him for two of his final three seasons in Denver. He was traded to the New York Jets after the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. Once again, Clady’s injuries continued and the Jets placed him on IR and did not bring him back.

Injuries in three of his final four seasons paved way for his retirement this season. Just four months after his retirement, he returned to Dove Valley to become a Denver Bronco for life.

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I am uncertain if he did enough to earn a Hall of Fame enshrinement later down the road. But there is no doubt that he played the position well while in Denver. I would not be surprised if he was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame later down the road.

Congrats on a wonderful career Ryan Clady! Wishing you all the best.