Cesar André Ruiz Bio
Cesar André Ruiz (born June 14, 1999) is an American professional football player who serves as a guard for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 24th overall pick, Ruiz has established himself as a foundational piece of the Saints offensive line. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 2017 to 2019, where he developed into one of the most decorated interior offensive linemen in the conference.
Early Life and Background
Ruiz was born in Camden, New Jersey, on June 14, 1999. His father, Cesar Edwin Ruiz, was of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, while his mother is African-American. Tragedy struck the family when Cesar was eight years old; his father was struck and killed by a motorist while assisting a driver with a flat tire. Despite this devastating loss, Ruiz grew up in Camden and developed a passion for football at a young age.
Ruiz initially attended Camden High School before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, after his sophomore year. At IMG Academy, he refined his skills against top competition and earned recognition as an Under Armour All-American during his senior season in 2017. Rated as a four-star recruit and the top center in his class nationally, Ruiz attracted scholarship offers from several major programs, ultimately choosing to continue his football career at the University of Michigan over schools including Florida, Auburn, and LSU.
Path to Professional Football
Upon arriving at Michigan, Ruiz quickly demonstrated his potential as a versatile interior offensive lineman. During his freshman season in 2017, he appeared in ten games, starting five at right guard while also serving as the team’s long snapper. His first career start came against Minnesota, marking the beginning of his transition to collegiate competition at the highest level.
As a sophomore in 2018, Ruiz became a full-time starter, opening all 13 games at center for the Wolverines. His dominant performance earned him third-team All-Big Ten Conference honors from both the coaches and media. Entering his junior season, Ruiz was named to the Rimington Trophy Watchlist, recognizing him among the top center prospects in the nation.
Cesar André Ruiz Career
College Career (2017–2019)
Ruiz’s junior season in 2019 proved to be his most impressive campaign at Michigan. He started all 13 games at center and delivered an exceptional performance, allowing only eight total quarterback pressures across 447 pass-blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus recognized him as the best pass-blocking center in college football that season. His stellar play resulted in second-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and third-team recognition from the media. After the season, Ruiz announced his decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2020 NFL Draft. Over his three seasons at Michigan, Ruiz played in 36 games with 31 starts.
New Orleans Saints Breakthrough (2020–Present)
The New Orleans Saints selected Ruiz with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, addressing their need for interior offensive line depth. He made his NFL debut on September 21, 2020, on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders, appearing in six snaps at right guard. The transition from college center to the professional level presented challenges, but Ruiz steadily earned playing time throughout his rookie season.
During the 2021 season opener against the Green Bay Packers, Ruiz started at right guard but shifted to center after starting center Erik McCoy suffered a calf injury in the first quarter. He continued as the team’s starting center for the next four games until McCoy returned in Week 7, at which point Ruiz moved back to right guard. This versatility proved valuable to the Saints coaching staff.
On December 20, 2022, the Saints placed Ruiz on season-ending injured reserve due to a foot injury. Further evaluation revealed he had suffered a Lisfranc fracture during the team’s final offensive possession in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons. The injury ended his third season prematurely after he had emerged as a consistent starter along the offensive line.
Contract Extension and Current Status
Following his recovery from the Lisfranc injury, Ruiz returned to form and earned a significant contract extension. On September 9, 2023, he signed a four-year, $44 million deal worth $30 million guaranteed through the 2027 season. The extension reflected the Saints’ confidence in his ability to anchor their offensive line for years to come. As of the 2025 season, Ruiz continues to serve as a key contributor along the Saints’ front line, bringing experience and versatility to the unit.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ruiz is known for his exceptional pass-blocking technique, particularly in the interior of the offensive line. His background as a center at Michigan provided him with the football intelligence to make pre-snap reads and communicate blocking assignments effectively. His ability to play both center and guard offers the Saints lineup flexibility, allowing coaches to adjust their interior protection schemes based on opponent matchups. Ruiz combines size and mobility to handle both power rushes and speed-to-power conversions from defensive tackles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ruiz’s NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders marked the start of his professional journey. His performance in the 2021 season, when he seamlessly transitioned from guard to center following Erik McCoy’s injury, demonstrated his adaptability and mental toughness. The 2022 Lisfranc injury represented a significant setback, but his recovery and subsequent contract extension in 2023 highlighted his resilience and value to the organization. Across his NFL career through 2025, Ruiz has appeared in 89 games with 83 starts.
Cesar André Ruiz Career Statistics
Ruiz has accumulated substantial playing time since entering the NFL, developing into a reliable starter for the Saints offense. His experience spans multiple seasons and positions along the interior offensive line.
College Highlights
At Michigan, Ruiz was recognized as one of the premier interior linemen in the Big Ten Conference. His junior season was particularly impressive, as he allowed only eight quarterback pressures in over 440 pass-blocking snaps while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. Over his three-year college career, he started 31 of 36 games, showcasing his durability and consistency at the collegiate level.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Ruiz has played in 89 games with 83 starts for the New Orleans Saints. His consistent availability and production have made him a stable presence on an offensive line that has undergone various changes during his tenure.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (2020–2025) | 89 | 83 |
| College (2017–2019) | 36 | 31 |
Family
Family Background
Ruiz grew up facing significant adversity after the tragic loss of his father when he was just eight years old. Cesar Edwin Ruiz was killed while helping a stranded motorist change a tire, a fact that has motivated the younger Ruiz throughout his football career. His multicultural background includes Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage from his father’s side and African-American ancestry from his mother. The family has remained rooted in Camden, New Jersey, where Ruiz’s journey from local high school football to the NFL has inspired the community.
Personal Life
Ruiz maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans under the handle @ceesruiz on Instagram. Despite his professional success, he remains connected to his roots in Camden and often speaks about the importance of perseverance and dedication. His experience overcoming the loss of his father and working through the challenges of transitioning from high school to college to the NFL has shaped his approach to the game and life.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Ruiz serves as an established veteran along the New Orleans Saints offensive line. Now in his sixth NFL season, he brings continuity and experience to a position group that has been rebuilt around him following several roster changes. His performance during training camp and the preseason indicated he has fully recovered from the Lisfranc injury that cut his 2022 season short.
The Saints coaching staff continues to value Ruiz’s versatility, utilizing him at both guard and center positions depending on matchups and injury situations. His leadership in the offensive line room has grown as he works with younger players developing behind him. The team’s success on the ground and through the air partially depends on the stability Ruiz provides in the middle of the offensive front.
Looking ahead, Ruiz appears positioned to remain a key component of the Saints’ plans through the remainder of his contract, which extends through the 2027 season. His combination of technical skill, football intelligence, and positional flexibility makes him a valuable asset as the team works to build a competitive roster around its core players. Fans and analysts will continue monitoring his development and contributions as the 2025 season progresses.