After grinding by observe squads, tryouts, and a full season within the UFL, former HBCU standout Ricky Lee is again within the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars introduced that they’ve signed the offensive lineman, bringing the Jacksonville native residence to Duval County.
Lee, who break up his collegiate profession between North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T, has traveled a protracted, winding street to get right here. The previous first-team all-district choice from Riverside Excessive College began 45 consecutive video games in school. Anchoring the appropriate aspect of the road for the Eagles earlier than shifting to left deal with for the Aggies. His efficiency at A&T earned him second-team All-Massive South honors in 2022 and put him on NFL scouts’ radars.
The NFL Rollercoaster
Lee entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. He appeared in six video games as a rookie, totally on particular groups. However his NFL dream shortly become a journey of uncertainty. After being waived, Lee bounced between observe squads with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants in 2024, preventing for one more shot on a 53-man roster.
This spring, he turned to the UFL for reps and visibility. Becoming a member of the Arlington Renegades as a key pickup by GM Rick Mueller. Beginning all 10 video games at left deal with, Lee allowed simply two sacks regardless of the Renegades’ struggles to search out offensive line consistency. Penalties had been a difficulty—he dedicated 10 throughout the season—however his measurement, athleticism, and sturdiness stood out sufficient to attract curiosity from a number of NFL groups.
During the last month, Lee labored out for the Saints, Jets, Chiefs, Colts, and Falcons earlier than the Jaguars made the decision. This makes him the fifth Renegades participant to signal an NFL deal this offseason.
The HBCU Pipeline Lives On
Lee’s return to the NFL is one other win for the HBCU soccer pipeline, which continues to provide pro-level expertise regardless of restricted athletic assets. This newest alternative could not have come with out his years of HBCU growth and the platform the UFL supplied.
Chatting with the Charlotte Put up throughout his first NFL signing in 2023, Lee summed up what this second means for gamers like him:
“Quite a lot of guys don’t get this chance. My dream lastly got here true. I’m blessed to be right here. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime factor. Being a part of the highest one % is a blessing. I can’t actually describe… I’m speechless.”
Now, Ricky Lee will get to show himself once more. This time, trying to lock down a roster spot along with his hometown staff, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
