Sports wound up being Ratledge’s outlet, and his dad, Dean (an All-Ohio Valley Linebacker in college for Tennessee Tech), told him that everyone would want to be his size. Turns out, that was prophetic, as now Ratledge and his imposing size will be playing on Sundays.

Ratledge gained a love for football through his father, Dean, who has coached high school football for over 40 years. Dean played his college ball at Tennessee Tech before a stint in the NFL. Ratledge also has a sister, Emmaline, who was a standout track, basketball and softball athlete at Darlington High School in Rome, Georgia.

New Detroit Lion Tate Ratledge already had some ink that is fitting for his new team. The Georgia football guard explains.