Riley Patterson didn't have much time to celebrate his latest opportunity. NFL stars often don't. The Baltimore Ravens brought him in for a Wednesday afternoon tryout, signed him a few hours later, and had him on the practice field Thursday as he began preparing for Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
For a kicker who has been around the league, the quick turnaround wasn't entirely unfamiliar. Patterson has experienced the uncertainty of being released, finding himself without a team and waiting for another opportunity more than once. This time, however, the call came from Baltimore, giving him a chance to join an organization with a strong history of success at the position. He spoke about this to the media on Thursday.
"First
of all, getting ready for Monday night, today was a good step in the right direction. [It was a] great practice today. Getting comfortable with Nick [Moore] and Ryan [Eckley], and everybody here's been great. I am excited for this opportunity."
The immediate challenge is getting comfortable with the operation and building chemistry with long snapper Nick Moore and holder Ryan Eckley. Patterson said Thursday's practice was encouraging, but the preparation began well before Baltimore contacted him.
Riley Patterson has learned how to stay ready while waiting for the next call
Baltimore is the 10th NFL roster that Patterson has been a part of. His journey has taught him how to handle the stretches between opportunities. After being released by the Miami Dolphins, he returned home and continued preparing as though another team could call at any moment.
"There's an in-between time for many kickers whenever they're on the street. This is my 10th team now. So, I've been on. I've been off, and I've had little breaks in between. So, you go back home, you make sure you stay ready, feeling like you're still in the season, even though you're over there on the couch."
That preparation isn't particularly glamorous, but it requires discipline. Patterson described going to a local high school field to kick, working with a coach when needed, and keeping his body ready for the physical demands of the position. He understood that an opportunity could arrive without much warning, and his latest signing put that preparation to use.
"So, getting to the high school field, getting my reps, and training if I need to go train with the coach, and then making sure my body feels right for this opportunity. And thankfully, I've been doing that. It's not been my first time. So, I'll be ready to go Monday night."
Riley Patterson embraces opportunity with an organization known for exceptional placekickers
Patterson also recognized the significance of joining Baltimore, an organization with a long history of productive kickers. He mentioned the team's tradition, its fan base, and the quality of the specialists he'll work alongside as reasons he's grateful for the opportunity.
"It means a lot. This is a great organization. The Ravens are very historic. A lot of great players have come and played through here [and] a lot of great kickers. So, I'm excited for the opportunity. It's a great place to play [with an] awesome fan base [and a] great [long] snapper [and a] great holder as well. So, it's a really cool opportunity, and [I am] very grateful. [I am] excited to get out there."
Patterson doesn't have the luxury of an extended adjustment period. With Monday night's game approaching, his focus is on getting familiar with the operation and translating the preparation he's maintained away from the field into success in Baltimore. After a career spent navigating the uncertainty of the kicking business, he's ready to make this latest stop count.
Patterson’s immediate task is developing a consistent operation with long snapper Nick Moore and holder Ryan Eckley. Timing and placement matter as he adjusts to new teammates with a game approaching. His work between opportunities helped him remain prepared for a tryout; Monday night will test how quickly that preparation carries over to Baltimore’s kicking unit.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Riley Patterson details signing to the Ravens and debut vs. Chargers
