Jay Ratliff is a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on August 29, 1981, in Vallejo, California, and attended Auburn University, where he played college football for the Auburn Tigers.
Ratliff was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Cowboys' defense, earning Pro Bowl honors four times between 2008 and 2011. Ratliff was known for his quickness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
In 2013, Ratliff was released by the Cowboys after a series of disputes with team management. He signed with the Chicago Bears later that year and played for them for two seasons before retiring from the NFL in 2015.
Throughout his career, Ratliff was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a team leader both on and off the field, and his contributions to the Cowboys' defense were instrumental in the team's success during his tenure.
Despite his success on the field, Ratliff faced some personal challenges during his career. In 2013, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated, and he was also involved in a dispute with a teammate that resulted in a physical altercation. However, Ratliff was able to overcome these setbacks and continue to play at a high level.
Since retiring from the NFL, Ratliff has remained involved in football as a coach and mentor. He has also been active in charitable work, including supporting organizations that help children and families in need.
Overall, Jay Ratliff had a successful career in the NFL, earning recognition as one of the league's top defensive tackles during his time with the Cowboys. Despite facing some personal challenges along the way, he remained dedicated to the game and was a respected leader both on and off the field.
🏈