Patrick Ricard Bio
Patrick Ricard (born May 27, 1994), nicknamed “Pancake Pat”, is an American professional football fullback who played college football for the Maine Black Bears. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 and spent nine seasons with the organization before signing with the New York Giants in March 2026. Ricard has established himself as one of the premier fullbacks in the league, earning six Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors during his career. He is notable for being a versatile two-way player early in his career, lining up at both fullback and defensive end before transitioning to an offense-only role.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Ricard was born on May 27, 1994, in Spencer, Massachusetts. He attended David Prouty High School in his hometown, where he played high school football and quickly distinguished himself as a dominant defender. During his time at David Prouty, Ricard was named Central Massachusetts Division II Defensive MVP twice, showcasing the defensive prowess that would define his early football career.
After graduating from high school, Ricard pursued higher education at the University of Maine, where he would develop into a highly decorated college player. His athletic development at Maine laid the foundation for his professional career, as he transitioned from a defensive lineman at the collegiate level to a fullback in the NFL.
Path to Professional Football
Ricard played for the Maine Black Bears from 2013 to 2016 as a defensive lineman, redshirting during his freshman season in 2012. His collegiate career demonstrated consistent improvement and increasing impact. In 2013, he appeared in all 13 games, recording 19 solo tackles, 40 tackle assists, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble. His strong freshman campaign earned him College Sports Journal Football Championship Subdivision Second Team All-Freshman honors.
His 2014 season saw him play in 10 games with 9 starts, accumulating 19 solo tackles, 27 tackle assists, 4.5 sacks, 6 pass breakups, and 1 blocked kick. The 2015 season marked a breakout year, as Ricard started all 10 games, recorded 25 solo tackles, 28 tackle assists, and an impressive 7 sacks while forcing 3 fumbles. These performances earned him First Team All-Colonial Athletic Association and ECAC Division I FCS Second Team All-Star recognition.
In his senior season of 2016, Ricard continued his dominance with 25 solo tackles, 25 tackle assists, and 5.5 sacks across 11 starts. His outstanding college career culminated in First-team All-CAA honors, ECAC Division I FCS First-team All-Star recognition, STATS FCS Third-team All-American honors, and New England Football Writers Division I All-New England Team selection. He played in 44 games during his college career, recording 208 total tackles, 18 sacks, 11 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 blocked kicks while majoring in economics.
Patrick Ricard Career
Baltimore Ravens (2017–2025)
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Ricard signed with the Baltimore Ravens on May 5, 2017. He was rated the 30th best defensive tackle in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. During the 2017 offseason, he practiced at both offensive and defensive positions with the Ravens. Ricard won the fullback position after the team lost veteran Kyle Juszczyk to free agency with the San Francisco 49ers. He made the 53-man roster as the only fullback on the team.
In his rookie season of 2017, Ricard played in 16 games with 4 starts, primarily on special teams and as a situational player on offense. In Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, he recorded his first career reception for one yard. In Week 13 against the Detroit Lions, he caught his first professional touchdown on a 3-yard reception. He finished his rookie year with 2 receptions for 4 yards and a touchdown while also contributing on defense.
The 2018 season saw Ricard primarily focused on defense, as he recorded 4 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a quarterback hit. He appeared in 10 games with 2 starts, playing 96 offensive snaps, 140 defensive snaps, and 45 special teams snaps. His versatility allowed the Ravens to use him in various roles, though his offensive production remained limited that season.
Ravens Breakthrough and Pro Bowl Success (2019–2022)
The 2019 season marked Ricard’s emergence as a legitimate dual-threat player. In Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, he caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson in a 59–10 victory. In Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded his first career sack and forced fumble, stripping quarterback Ryan Finley with the ball recovered by Tyus Bowser and returned 33 yards for a touchdown in a 49–13 Ravens win.
On December 3, 2019, Ricard signed a two-year contract extension through the 2021 season. Nine days later in Week 15 against the New York Jets, he partially blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt by Sam Ficken. For the season, he recorded 8 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown on offense, along with 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked field goal on defense and special teams. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl, playing 342 offensive snaps, 140 defensive snaps, and 102 special teams snaps.
During the 2020 season, Ricard transitioned to an offense-only player for the first time in his professional career, recording no snaps on defense. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 27, 2020, and activated on December 7. That season, he had 1 rushing attempt for -1 yards and 9 receptions on 12 targets for 45 yards and a touchdown, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
On March 21, 2022, Ricard signed a three-year contract extension with the Ravens. That season, he recorded a career-high 7 rushing attempts for 16 yards and 11 receptions for 74 yards along with 1 tackle. His offensive versatility continued to be a valuable asset for the Ravens’ running game.
Ravens Continued Success (2023–2025)
In 2023, Ricard recorded 5 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Under the offensive system of new Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, he saw increased playing time at tight end and logged more snaps at that position than at fullback, showcasing his positional flexibility.
During the 2024 NFL season, Ricard made significant contributions on both special teams and offense. In Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills, he scored a touchdown after recovering a fumble in a 35–10 Ravens victory. In Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, he caught a 3-yard receiving touchdown in a 41–10 win. His standout season earned him First-team All-Pro honors, recognizing him as one of the top fullbacks in the league.
On March 11, 2025, Ricard re-signed with the Ravens on a one-year contract. He suffered a calf injury during training camp that kept him out of the first six games of the season. He returned in Week 7 and continued contributing on offense and special teams. On December 23, he was named to his sixth Pro Bowl, solidifying his reputation as one of the most consistent fullbacks in the NFL. He also earned Second-team All-Pro honors during this season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ricard is known for his versatility, physicality, and football intelligence. His ability to play both fullback and tight end provides his offense with lineup flexibility, allowing coaches to create mismatches against opposing defenses. His experience playing defensive end early in his career gives him a unique understanding of defensive schemes, making him an effective lead blocker. He excels in short-yardage situations and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield, capable of making clutch catches in critical moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Ricard has achieved numerous milestones that highlight his impact on the field. His six Pro Bowl selections underscore his consistent excellence at the fullback position. His First-team All-Pro selection in 2024 represented the pinnacle of his professional achievements. His versatility as a two-way player early in his career, contributing on both offense and defense, set him apart from most fullbacks in the league.
Patrick Ricard Career Wins
Across his nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Ricard has been a consistent contributor on offense and special teams, accumulating meaningful statistics while helping the team achieve success.
Baltimore Ravens Highlights
Ricard’s tenure with the Ravens included consistent offensive production and key special teams contributions. His career receiving totals include 49 receptions for 323 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also recorded 22 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Defensively, he accumulated 19 tackles and 1 sack across his career. His eight total touchdowns demonstrate his ability to make an impact in the red zone and in critical situations.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his receiving and rushing statistics, Ricard’s value extended to his special teams play and leadership. His blocked field goal attempt against the New York Jets in 2019 showcased his hustle and awareness on special teams. His versatility to line up at multiple positions, including fullback, tight end, and defensive end, made him a valuable chess piece for Ravens coaches throughout his career.
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 2019 | 8 | 47 | 1 |
| 2020 | 9 | 45 | 1 |
| 2021 | 8 | 63 | 1 |
| 2022 | 11 | 74 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 52 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 | 35 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Patrick Ricard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Patrick Ricard’s family background, including his parents and any family connections to athletics, has not been extensively documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Ricard earned a degree in economics from the University of Maine during his collegiate career. He is known by the nickname “Pancake Pat,” reflecting his reputation as a physical blocker. He maintains an active presence on social media, with accounts on X and Instagram. Ricard continues to work hard on and off the field, serving as a leader in the communities where he has played.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented both a challenge and a triumph for Patrick Ricard with the Baltimore Ravens. After re-signing with the team in March, Ricard suffered a calf injury during training camp that forced him to miss the first six games of the regular season. His absence created a void in the Ravens’ fullback rotation, as he had been a consistent presence at the position for several seasons.
Ricard returned to action in Week 7 and immediately provided the offensive unit with his trademark versatility and blocking ability. Despite the injury setback, he managed to contribute on offense and special teams throughout the remainder of the season. His experience and football IQ helped the Ravens maintain their offensive efficiency, particularly in short-yardage situations and as a lead blocker in the running game.
His strong performance throughout the season was recognized with his sixth Pro Bowl selection on December 23, 2025. Additionally, he earned Second-team All-Pro honors, marking the second time in his career he received All-Pro recognition. These accolades solidified his standing among the elite fullbacks in the NFL and demonstrated his resilience in overcoming adversity during the season. The 2025 campaign highlighted Ricard’s enduring value to the Ravens organization and his ability to perform at a high level despite physical challenges.