In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the path from obscurity to stardom can be as unpredictable as it is inspiring. For Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland, that journey has been a whirlwind of emotions and opportunities. Just three weeks ago, Ryland found himself unemployed after being cut by the New England Patriots. Today, he stands as the unlikely hero who has delivered not one, but two game-winning field goals for the surging Cardinals.
From Unemployment to Opportunity
Ryland’s NFL journey began when the Patriots drafted him in the fourth round in 2023 out of the University of Maryland. Despite a solid college career, Ryland struggled in his rookie season, converting just 16 of 25 field goal attempts. When the Patriots shook up their coaching staff after the season, bringing in new special teams coordinator Jerod Mayo, Ryland suddenly found his job security in jeopardy.
Mayo brought in competition for Ryland during training camp, and on August 27th, the Patriots made the difficult decision to cut ties with their former draft pick. For Ryland, it was a crushing blow. “Honestly, it was tough,” he admitted. “I’d be lying if I said it was easy.”
But as one door closed, another soon opened. With Cardinals veteran kicker Matt Prater sidelined by a knee injury, Arizona came calling. On October 2nd, just over a month after being cut by New England, Ryland signed with the Cardinals’ practice squad. Little did he know, his chance to prove himself was just around the corner.
A Chance for Redemption
Ryland’s first big moment with the Cardinals came in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. With the game on the line, the undrafted free agent calmly drilled a 35-yard field goal to seal a thrilling victory for Arizona. The kick was eerily similar to one Ryland had missed as a Patriot against the Giants the previous season, adding an extra layer of redemption to the moment.
“I had a lot of emotion,” Ryland said after the game-winner against San Francisco. “What a difference a change of scenery makes.”
Just two weeks later, Ryland found himself in the spotlight again. On Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers, with zeroes on the clock, it was Ryland’s right leg that sealed another exhilarating win for the Cardinals. The storybook ending left Ryland almost in disbelief. “It’s been like a blur, the last three weeks,” he marveled after the game.
Preparation Meets Opportunity
So how does a kicker go from the unemployment line to delivering clutch kicks in the national spotlight in just a few short weeks? For Ryland, it all comes down to preparation and self-belief. Even during his five weeks without an NFL job, he never stopped working on his craft.
Ryland hit the road, visiting his alma maters Eastern Michigan and Maryland to train and stay sharp. He even got in some invaluable bonding time with his father Todd, who served as his holder during impromptu practice sessions. “My dad’s never said no to going to the field with me,” Ryland shared. That father-son connection kept Ryland grounded and focused, even in the face of uncertainty.
“As an athlete, you have that self-belief… that you can play at a certain level,” Ryland explained. “When you’re not there and you’re watching games on Sunday, it’s a lot different than suiting up. But, at the same time, it was something I used to sort of fuel me and keep me going because I knew the time would come.”
When Ryland’s opportunity with the Cardinals finally arrived, he was ready. Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers, who had evaluated Ryland coming out of college, immediately recognized the kicker’s “explosive leg” in practice. And by delivering in the clutch not once, but twice, Ryland quickly won over his new teammates. Even quarterback Kyler Murray, who typically keeps his distance from the specialists, couldn’t help but take notice. “Chad coming in on short notice, doing his thing…very pleased with what’s going on,” Murray said.
An Underdog Story for the Ages
Chad Ryland’s improbable path from castoff to conquerer is the kind of underdog tale that has become synonymous with the NFL dream. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of staying ready, and the magic that can happen when preparation meets opportunity.
For Ryland, this is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a long and successful NFL career. With every clutch kick, he’s not only helping the Cardinals win games, but also proving that he belongs on football’s biggest stage. And while his journey has been far from conventional, it’s a story that will undoubtedly inspire countless other underdogs chasing their dreams.
As the Cardinals continue their march through the season, one thing is certain: With Chad Ryland’s powerful leg and unwavering confidence, Arizona has found itself a kicker who knows a thing or two about rising to the occasion. And for a team with championship aspirations, that could make all the difference in the world.
