On Friday night, under the bright lights of Chris Hunter Stadium, former Darlington Tiger and current rookie offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, Tate Ratledge, returned home for a moment that marked the full circle of his football career here at Darlington—the retirement of his jersey, No. 50. Ratledge, who was a 2020 graduate, stood on the same field where he played many of his high school games. Surrounded by his family and many of his fans, the ceremony honored not only his athletic achievements but also the hard work and dedication he had that have defined his career.
“It’s a lifelong dream. Once you realize it’s possible, it’s something you want to have happen. It was really cool to me to see that I had a big enough impact on people while I was here for them to want to do this to my jersey,” Ratledge said.
Ratledge’s journey from high school to the University of Georgia and now to the NFL has been marked by both victories and hardships. During his time at UGA, he became an integral part of the Bulldogs’ offensive line, contributing to their domination in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and their win of the 2022 College Football National Championship.
“Winning that championship was unbelievable,” Ratledge recalled. “It’s what you dream of as a kid, to win a national championship for a team you love playing for. It was a dream come true.”
But the road to that victory was not always uphill for Ratledge. During his freshman year in Athens, Ratledge suffered a Lisfranc injury, a foot injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. The recovery was challenging and demanding, requiring him to relearn how to walk before he could return to football.
“It was tough. I was on a knee scooter for three or four months after surgery. It was literally starting from the ground up — rebuilding all the strength and mobility in my leg to get back to the level I was at before.” Ratledge said.
That perseverance and work ethic were qualities first learned were established here, where Ratledge played under longtime head coach Tommy Atha. Ratledge credits Atha for instilling in him the mindset that helped him succeed at Georgia and now in the NFL.
“I think Coach Atha is one of the best role models I’ve ever had,” Ratledge said. “He taught me so much: how to take responsibility, how to be accountable, and how to be prepared. Even now, I can relate things I go through back to what he told us.”
During his high school career, Ratledge earned a lot of national attention as a four-star recruit and one of the top offensive linemen in the country. Dozens of Division I schools reached out with offers, but for Ratledge, choosing Georgia was an easy decision.
“Just the way Kirby [Smart] ran his program and what they were about. Of course, I wanted to win, and win with a team I loved,” Ratledge said.
Though the jersey retired was No. 50, Ratledge has since become widely recognized for wearing No. 69 at Georgia, a number that, he admitted, came about unexpectedly.
“When I first got to UGA, number 50 wasn’t available, so I wore 51. Then I got hurt wearing 51, so I thought maybe it was time to change. Sixty-nine was available, and it kind of just fit with the whole persona I had going on, the mullet and everything. It stuck, and people really liked it.” Ratledge said.
That confidence became part of his identity and what he was known for, both on and off the field, endearing him to Georgia fans and helping him stand out in a program filled with so much potential for greatness.
For current students and young athletes who were watching from the stands Friday night, Ratledge’s return was more than a ceremony. It was a reminder that big dreams can grow from small beginnings, and that the work you put in now will help you prosper in the future.
“This place means a lot to me. Darlington helped shape who I am. To be back here and see how much support I still have, it means everything.” Ratledge said.