Ryan Neuzil

Ryan Scott Neuzil Bio

Ryan Scott Neuzil (born July 31, 1997) is an American professional football center for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers and was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Neuzil has emerged as a reliable starter on Atlanta’s offensive line, appearing in 43 games with 12 starts across his first four professional seasons. His journey from a high school tight end to an NFL center demonstrates his adaptability and dedication to the sport.

Early Life and Background

Ryan Neuzil was born on July 31, 1997, in Bradenton, Florida. He attended Braden River High School, where he played multiple positions and developed the foundational skills that would later translate to his success at the collegiate and professional levels. He was named first-team all-district and all-area as a senior tight end, catching 26 passes for 470 yards and two touchdowns while also serving as the team’s punter with a 45-yard average.

Neuzil’s two-star recruiting profile limited his major program options, but Appalachian State saw potential in him. He selected the Mountaineers from 12 scholarship offers, beginning his transition from skill position player to offensive lineman. His father, Jeff Neuzil, played professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals minor league system at the Triple-A level, providing Ryan with a sports background in the family.

Path to American Football

Upon arriving at Appalachian State, Neuzil underwent a significant position change. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2016 as he adjusted to the center position after playing tight end in high school. In 2017, he appeared in seven games, beginning as the backup center before being moved to left guard, where he earned his first starting experience. The following year, he started all 13 games at left guard and earned second-team all-conference recognition from Pro Football Focus, establishing himself as a reliable starter on the interior of the offensive line.

His junior season in 2019 saw him elevate his play to first-team all-conference status, starting all 14 games at left guard. His senior season in 2020 represented his most decorated year, as he started 12 games, earned first-team All-Conference honors from Pro Football Focus and third-team All-American recognition from the league’s media and coaches. He was also named second-team All-American by Sporting News and PFF, solidifying his standing as one of the top interior linemen in the Group of Five conferences. Neuzil declared for the 2021 NFL Draft following the season.

Ryan Neuzil Career

Early Career (2021–2022)

After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Neuzil signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad after being waived at final roster cuts, re-signed, released in late October, and then brought back in November. In 2022, he again failed to make the initial roster but was added to the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for the Falcons’ Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Chargers and made his NFL debut in the 17-20 loss, appearing on four special teams snaps. He was promoted to the active roster on November 22, 2022.

Atlanta Falcons Breakthrough (2023–2024)

Neuzil became a regular contributor over the next two seasons. He appeared in 39 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making 12 starts, which represented a significant increase in playing time from his first two years. His consistency and versatility on the interior offensive line helped solidify Atlanta’s front. On March 3, 2024, he signed a one-year contract extension, demonstrating the team’s confidence in his abilities.

Atlanta Falcons Era (2025–Present)

On May 28, 2025, Neuzil signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract extension with the Falcons, securing his place with the team through the 2026 season. The extension reflected his development into a dependable starter and his importance to Atlanta’s offensive line plans going forward.

Playing Style and Strengths

As a center, Neuzil’s primary responsibilities include snapping the ball to the quarterback, run blocking, and pass protection. His 6-foot-3, 305-pound frame gives him the size needed to match up against larger defensive tackles. His experience playing guard in college provided him with a strong foundation in both run and pass blocking techniques, and his positional versatility has helped him adjust to his role at center in the NFL.

Notable Events and Milestones

Neuzil’s progression from undrafted free agent to regular starter represents his most significant career milestone. His NFL debut in Week 9 of 2022 marked the beginning of his rise to a consistent role on Atlanta’s offensive line. The two-year extension he signed in 2025 validated his development over his first four professional seasons.

Ryan Neuzil Career Statistics

Through his first four NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Neuzil has established himself as a reliable depth player and spot starter on the offensive line. His 43 games played demonstrate his value as a versatile interior lineman who can fill in at multiple positions when needed.

Atlanta Falcons Highlights

Neuzil appeared in 43 games with 12 starts across the 2021 through 2024 seasons. His 12 starts came primarily in the 2023 and 2024 seasons as he became a regular part of the rotation on Atlanta’s offensive line. His journey from undrafted free agent to consistent contributor highlights his persistence and ability to develop at the professional level.

Career Stats Summary

Ryan Neuzil Family

Family Background

Neuzil comes from a family with athletic achievements. His father, Jeff Neuzil, played professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization at the Triple-A level, giving Ryan a background in competitive athletics from an early age.

Personal Life

Neuzil grew up in Bradenton, Florida, where he developed his love for sports at Braden River High School. His transition from high school tight end to college offensive lineman to NFL center reflects his willingness to adapt and his understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest levels of football.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Ryan Neuzil’s professional career. After appearing in 39 games over the previous two seasons with 12 total starts, he enters the year competing for a more prominent role on Atlanta’s offensive line. His recent two-year, $9.5 million contract extension signals the team’s belief in his long-term potential.

Neuzil has been working during the offseason program to fine-tune his technique at center and build chemistry with his fellow offensive linemen. The coaching staff views him as a reliable option who can provide depth at multiple interior positions while pushing for a starting role. His versatility and experience make him a valuable asset as Atlanta looks to establish consistency along its offensive front.