NFL franchise Baltimore Ravens recruited their offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva just a season before his eventual retirement. The move comes following an up and down season with the Ravens and them placing him on their reserve/retirement list. It also helps in saving $6 million in salary-cap space. Being one of the toughest and most durable players in his stints with the Steelers and later Ravens, he was an ever-present player in both rosters.

The 2-time Pro-Bowler played a combined 113 regular-season games while starting in 107 games. He was a free agent signing who was brought in as a replacement for the Chiefs acquisition of Orlando Brown Jr.

A player who did mold his role according to the team’s needs, he is a well-respected figure within the league.

He provided a great presence during his six-season stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise as a great pass blocker while protecting QB Ben Roethlisberger. But his constant shuffling across the Ravens defensive line was the cause of instability with the franchise last season.

Alejandro Villanueva: A diamond in the rough

He served his time as a lieutenant after his college years in the US Army. Further, Villanueva received a Bronze Star Medal for displaying courage and rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire.

Baltimore Ravens Re-Sign Veteran Safety Tony Jefferson to Boost Young and Inexperienced Locker Room

Villanueva also was a city-first individual and only offers positive things to his community through charity. Despite being a reluctant speaker about his time in the Army, his charitable efforts for supporting military families in Pittsburgh did receive recognition.

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

Trending

Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean

April 25, 2024 03:12 PM EDT

After Confirming Patriots Interest, JJ McCarthy Reveals Tom Brady Was Speaking to Him Throughout National Championship Winning Season

April 24, 2024 07:04 PM EDT

Who Are Laiatu Latu’s Parents? Meet the Family of UCLA’s DL

April 04, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife

November 20, 2023 04:39 AM EST

2024 NFL Draft: In Eminem’s Presence, Detroit Denied Entry Into NFL History Books as Motor City Fans Stopped Due to Maximum Capacity

April 26, 2024 01:40 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

It was his tours in the military that also prepared him for brutality from the opposing teams.

With his never-say-die attitude, even when things were rough with the Ravens, he continued to fight for his squad riddled with injuries. But his departure will be something that Ravens GM Eric DeCosta will be looking to fill during free agency.

Watch This Story: Aaron Rodgers Ranked #1 On List of NFL Players/Personalities People Love to Hate