Sports wound up being Ratledge’s outlet, and his dad, Dean (an All-Ohio Valley Linebacker in college for Tennessee Tech), told him that everyone would want to be his size. Turns out, that was prophetic, as now Ratledge and his imposing size will be playing on Sundays.

The Detroit Lions selected Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge with the No. 57 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Ratledge is a self-described 'dirtbag' as a player and that certainly fits what the Lions are all about upfront along their offensive line. He's got a mean streak that Lions fans will certainly love about him. He was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs with 37 starts at right guard.