26-04-2025
5 Things to Know about new Lions OG Tate Ratledge
5 Things to Know about new Lions OG Tate Ratledge 5 Things to Know about new Lions OG Tate Ratledge, from his multi-sport background to his prescient tattoo
The Lions added to the offensive line in the second round of the draft with the selection of Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge with the 57th pick in the draft. Let's get to know Ratledge with five notes, with the help of Dane Brugler's "The Beast" draft guide.
1. Father coached high school football more than 40 years, comes from athletic family
Ratledge gained a love for football through his father, Dean, who has coached high school football for over 40 years. Dean played his college ball at Tennessee Tech before a stint in the NFL. Ratledge also has a sister, Emmaline, who was a standout track, basketball and softball athlete at Darlington High School in Rome, Georgia.
2. Four-year starter in high school, played multiple sports
Ratledge grew up with football and made an immediate impact when he reached high school. He earned an invite to the Freshman All-American game. He went to be named second-team all-state as a junior and first-team all-state as a senior. Ratledge spent time on the offensive and defensive lines, lined up as a tight end and also handled punting duties. He eventually became the No. 3 offensive tackle recruit and No. 5 overall recruit in the state of Georgia.
3. Successful track athlete in his own right
His sister was a very good track athlete, but Ratledge was a pretty good one in his own right. Good enough to take third in the state in the shot put in 2019, setting a school record of 55 feet, seven inches. He also posted a personal best of 139 feet, 10 inches in the discus. He also finished seventh in the shot put in 2018.
4. Back-to-back All-American selections
Ratledge's college career came with plenty of accolades, including two straight years as an All-American. He was named Second Team All-American in 2023 and worked his way up to the First Team in 2024. He was also First-Team All-SEC in both years.
5. Has a tattoo of a lion
It's almost like Ratledge was meant to be a Detroit Lion. He has a tattoo of a lion on his arm that he got a year ago. He told the media, "Lions are the king of the jungle for a reason." Talk about a perfect storm.
