In the world of NFL fullbacks, Patrick Ricard stands out as an intriguing enigma. As the newest member of the New York Giants, Ricard’s unique role is reshaping expectations, especially under the guidance of the team’s new running backs coach, Willie Taggart, who seems to have a soft spot for his players—except for Ricard, who doesn’t quite fit the mold.
“Patrick isn’t in my room,” Taggart remarked with a smile when asked about the fullback. It’s a statement that perfectly encapsulates Ricard’s unconventional journey in the league.
At 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Ricard’s presence is anything but ordinary. While he technically reports to the tight end group, his skill set aligns more closely with that of a traditional blocker than a pass-catching tight end. In fact, if there were a “Blockers Only” club, Ricard would likely be the sole member, perhaps joined by Chris Manhertz, a fellow tight end known more for his blocking prowess than receiving stats.
This season, the Giants are excited to have Ricard on board, especially after a year without a true fullback. Running back Tyrone Tracy expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m going to let him go to work. I told him, ‘You do what you do, I’m going to make you look good.’” With Ricard’s imposing size, Tracy believes they could both benefit significantly on the field.
Ricard’s arrival in New York came via a lucrative two-year deal worth $7.63 million, making him the highest-paid fullback in the league—a rare feat in a position that often flies under the radar in the NFL. His transition to the Giants seemed almost destined, especially after spending nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens under coach John Harbaugh, who is now leading the Giants.
Brandon Brown, the Giants’ assistant general manager, highlighted the team’s strategy of “building the bully,” a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Ricard’s style of play. “He brings something different,” Brown noted, hinting at Ricard’s unique contributions to the team.
Despite his hefty size, Ricard’s statistics tell a different story. Over 132 career games, he has only 11 rushing attempts—just one in the past three years—and 49 receptions, with a mere four catches in the last two seasons. “That doesn’t bother me at all,” Ricard stated, emphasizing his focus on blocking and contributing to the team’s success rather than seeking personal glory.
His time in Baltimore was marked by the success of running backs like Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who thrived behind Ricard’s formidable blocking. Known affectionately as “Pancake Pat” for his ability to flatten defenders, Ricard is more than willing to prioritize the team’s needs over his own.
Isaiah Likely, who shared the tight end room in Baltimore, referred to Ricard as a “great Swiss Army knife,” showcasing his versatility on the field. Originally a defensive lineman at the University of Maine, Ricard was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has since embraced his role as a fullback with a defender’s mentality.
Now reunited with Harbaugh and Greg Roman, the Giants’ new senior offensive assistant, Ricard is set to unleash his skills for a tenth NFL season. As he prepares to make his mark in New York, fans can’t help but wonder: how will Ricard redefine the fullback position in today’s game?
