Jim Ritcher

Relive the remarkable career of Jim Ritcher, the groundbreaking center who redefined his position from college stardom to a 16-year NFL legacy.
Born on May 21, 1958, in Berea, Ohio, Jim Ritcher blossomed into a dominant force on the football field during his time at North Carolina State University from 1976 to 1979. Playing center for the Wolfpack, Ritcher achieved a historic milestone in 1979 when he became the first player at his position to win the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's best interior lineman. This groundbreaking achievement highlighted his exceptional athleticism and skill, shattering the 33-year streak of the award being claimed by guards or tackles.

Ritcher's collegiate career was marked by consistent excellence. He earned consensus All-American honors in 1979 and was a two-time First-team All-ACC selection in both 1978 and 1979. His dominance in the trenches was further recognized with two consecutive Jacobs Trophies, awarded to the Atlantic Coast Conference's most outstanding blocker. Ritcher's pivotal role in the Wolfpack's offense also contributed to running back Ted Brown's record-breaking collegiate rushing career. His outstanding achievements at NC State led to his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998, solidifying his place among the collegiate gridiron greats. North Carolina State further honored his legacy by retiring his jersey number 51.

The professional ranks beckoned, and Ritcher was selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. While initially playing center for his rookie season, the Bills strategically moved him to left guard, capitalizing on his exceptional agility and speed for an interior lineman. This positional switch proved fruitful, as Ritcher became a cornerstone of the Bills' offensive line for 14 seasons (1980-1993). His durability and reliability were remarkable, as he started every game for an incredible 11-year stretch. Ritcher played in all four of the Bills' Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s and earned Pro Bowl selections in 1991 and 1992, showcasing his consistent high level of play. He concluded his impressive 16-year NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994 and 1995.

Jim Ritcher's football legacy is defined by his groundbreaking recognition as an Outland Trophy-winning center, his consistent dominance in the college ranks, and his enduring and impactful career in the NFL. He proved to be a versatile and exceptionally skilled offensive lineman, contributing significantly to the success of both the NC State Wolfpack and the Buffalo Bills. His durability, leadership, and consistent high-level performance earned him respect throughout the league and a place in the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame. Ritcher's career serves as an inspiring example of dedication and excellence at the offensive line position.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Outland Trophy (1979)

✦ Consensus All-American (1979)

✦ Two-time First-team All-ACC (1978, 1979)

✦ Two-time Jacobs Trophy (1978, 1979)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)

✦ Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame

✦ 2-time Pro Bowl selection (1991, 1992)

✦ Second-team All-Pro (1991)

✦ Played in four Super Bowls (XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII)

✦ NC State Wolfpack No. 51 retired

✦ Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team