NFL CAREER – An athletic, versatile and intelligent lineman, the club's first round draft pick in 2020 has settled into the right guard position on the Black and Gold offensive line. Ruiz has played in 62 games with 56 starts in his career, opening all 16 contests he appeared in during the 2023 campaign. The former Michigan standout has the flexibility to play across the offensive line, opening games at right guard, center, and even seeing time at right tackle in his four seasons with New Orleans. After signing an extension at the start of the 2023 season, Ruiz will look to continue his consistent play and help lead the Saints offensive line in 2024.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed a four-year contract extension, 9/9/23; Placed on Injured Reserve, 12/20/22; Signed, 7/27/20; Selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.
2023 – Started all 16 games he appeared in at RG…At Green Bay, Sept. 24, left in second quarter (concussion protocol)…Vs. Tampa Bay, Oct. 1, inactive (concussion)…At New England, Oct. 8, returned to start and play in 50th career NFL game…At Houston, Oct. 15, started at RG and also saw action at RT after Ryan Ramczyk exited…At Indianapolis, Oct. 29, blocked for an offense that gained a season-high 511 total net yards and 161 yards rushing…At Atlanta, Nov. 26, made his 50th career start…Blocked for an offense that gained 154 yards rushing in season finale vs. Atlanta, 1/7/24. 2022 – Opened all 14 games he appeared in before being placed on Injured Reserve with a Lisfranc injury, suffered late in team's win vs. Atlanta, Dec. 18, starting at RG for 13 games and at C for one at Tampa Bay, Dec. 5...Vs. Seattle, Oct. 9, blocked for an offense that gained 235 yards rushing with two 100-yard rushers and three rushing TDs…Moved to C in second quarter vs. Baltimore, Nov. 7, due to Erik McCoy's injury. 2021 – Only Saints offensive player to open all 17 games. After starting season-opening win over Green Bay, Sept. 12, at RG, moved to C for the next four contests due to McCoy's injury, before returning to RG for final 12 games. 2020 – Played in 15 games with nine starts at RG and opened both postseason contests…Started vs. Atlanta, Nov. 22, blocking for an offense that gained 168 yards rushing…Started at Denver, Nov. 29, and blocked for an offense that rushed for 229 yards and four TDs…Started vs. Minnesota, Dec. 25, for an offense that rushed for a season-high 264 yards and club-record seven TDs, including an NFL record-tying six by RB Alvin Kamara.
COLLEGE – Started his final 31 games at Michigan during a 36-game career – five at RG and the last 26 at C…Opened all 13 games in 2019 and selected second-team All-Big Ten by conference coaches…In 2018, earned All-Big Ten third-team (coaches), starting all 13 games at center…In 2017, played in ten games and made five starts at right guard…Majored in Afro-American and African studies.
PERSONAL - Attended IMG (Bradenton, Fla.) Academy, where he helped lead his team to undefeated seasons in 2015 and 2016…In 2016, anchored an IMG offensive line that helped produce 2,000 yards passing and 1,879 yards rushing in 11 games…Played in 2017 Under Armour All-American Game…ESPN four-star recruit, ranked No. 69 nationally and the No. 1 center…Attended 2016 "Opening" Nike Camp…Transferred to IMG from Camden (N.J.) HS, where he spent his first two years…In December, Ruiz and several teammates teamed up with prominent New Orleans chefs and NOCCA students for a cooking competition featuring Dairy Max products and meals…Played in the 2024 Saints Hall of Fame Golf Tournament.
