Ricky Stromberg Bio
Richard Stromberg, known professionally as Ricky Stromberg, is an American professional football center for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 313 pounds, Stromberg plays the offensive line at the center position and is recognized for his technical blocking and football intelligence. He began his NFL journey after a standout college career at the University of Arkansas, where he earned multiple All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors.
Originally selected by the Washington Commanders in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, Stromberg has transitioned between rosters before landing with the Chicago Bears, where he continues to develop his professional career. His combination of size, footwork, and football IQ has marked him as a player to watch along the offensive interior.
Early Life and Background
Ricky Stromberg was born on November 10, 2000, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in the Tulsa area and attended Union High School, where he first made a name for himself as a two-way lineman on the football field. His early years in Oklahoma helped shape the physical and technical foundation that would later support his rise through competitive football.
During his high school career, Stromberg contributed to teams that posted strong records. As a sophomore, he was part of a squad that finished 11-2 and captured the state championship. The following season, his team improved to a 12-1 mark before falling in the division championship game. As a senior, Stromberg was named the Division 6AI-2 Offensive Lineman of the Year after helping his team post a 9-3 record.
Rated as a four-star recruit, Stromberg was ranked as the fifth-best center nationally and the fourth-best player overall from Oklahoma in his recruiting class. He originally committed to play college football at the University of Tulsa before ultimately flipping his commitment to the University of Arkansas, a decision that launched his path toward SEC competition.
Path to American Football
Stromberg’s path to the NFL began at Union High School in Tulsa, where his performance as a two-way lineman earned him statewide recognition and a four-star recruiting rating. His ranking among the top centers nationally signaled that he had the physical tools and on-field awareness to compete at the highest collegiate level.
After switching his commitment from Tulsa to Arkansas, Stromberg joined the Arkansas Razorbacks football program in 2019. As a true freshman, he appeared in 12 games and started the final 11, eventually moving from left guard to right guard after an injury to veteran lineman Austin Capps. In his freshman season, Stromberg did not allow a single sack.
The following year, in 2020, Stromberg transitioned to center and appeared in nine games while starting eight, allowing only one sack. By his junior season in 2021, he was named a second-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press after allowing just three sacks all season. These steady improvements helped establish Stromberg as one of the top interior linemen in the SEC and positioned him for national recognition in his senior year.
Ricky Stromberg Career
Early Career (2019-2022)
Stromberg’s college career at the University of Arkansas spanned four seasons from 2019 through 2022, during which he developed into one of the most dependable offensive linemen in the SEC. As a freshman in 2019, he appeared in 12 games and started the final 11 contests of the season, splitting time between left guard and right guard while protecting the Razorbacks’ backfield without surrendering a sack.
In 2020, Stromberg shifted to center and started eight of nine appearances, allowing only one sack. He followed that performance with a strong 2021 season that earned him second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press. After his senior season in 2022, Stromberg opted to declare for the 2023 NFL draft and participated in the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl to showcase his skills for professional scouts.
Arkansas Razorbacks Breakthrough (2021-2022)
During the 2021 season, Stromberg cemented himself as one of the top centers in the Southeastern Conference. He allowed only three sacks across the entire year, a stat line that earned him second-team All-SEC recognition from the Associated Press. His consistency at the line of scrimmage made him a fixture in the Razorbacks’ offensive game plan and helped open running lanes for the Arkansas ground game.
In his senior season of 2022, Stromberg elevated his play to an even higher level. He was named first-team All-SEC and was awarded the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is given annually to the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. The award recognized Stromberg’s combination of strength, technique, and consistency in both run blocking and pass protection. His dominant senior campaign pushed him toward a decision to leave Arkansas and pursue a professional career.
Washington Commanders Era (2023)
Ricky Stromberg was selected by the Washington Commanders in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, going 97th overall. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 19, 2023, and reported to training camp with the goal of earning a role along the Commanders’ offensive interior. His selection in the third round reflected the league’s confidence in his college pedigree and his potential to develop into a starting-caliber center.
Stromberg’s first professional season was interrupted on November 7, 2023, when he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The injury cut short his rookie year and required a recovery period that extended into the following offseason. On August 27, 2024, Stromberg was waived by the Commanders with an injury designation, and he was later released with an injury settlement, ending his tenure in Washington.
Chicago Bears Era (2024-Present)
On November 13, 2024, Stromberg signed with the Chicago Bears’ practice squad, marking a fresh start for the young lineman in the NFC North. The opportunity gave him a chance to continue his development and work his way back from injury while remaining within an NFL organization. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Bears, securing his place on the offseason roster.
As the 2025 season approached, Stromberg continued his bid to earn a roster spot in Chicago. On August 26, 2025, he was waived as part of the Bears’ final roster cuts, but the very next day he was signed back to the practice squad. His path to Chicago has reflected the resilience required of young linemen in the NFL, and he remains an active member of the Bears’ offensive line group as the season progresses.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stromberg’s strengths as a lineman center on his physical build, leverage, and blocking technique. At 6 feet 3 inches and 313 pounds, he possesses the size to handle NFL nose tackles while also displaying the footwork and balance needed to mirror quick defenders in pass protection. His college production, particularly his low sack-allowed totals, highlighted his awareness and discipline at the line of scrimmage.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Stromberg’s standout career milestones are his 2022 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which honored him as the best blocker in the SEC, and his selection in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. His participation in the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl also served as a key pre-draft showcase that helped solidify his draft stock.
Ricky Stromberg Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Ricky Stromberg’s career accomplishments are measured less in personal victories and more in awards, honors, and milestones that recognize his blocking performance. His college and professional journey has included conference-level recognition and an NFL draft selection, both of which represent significant achievements for an interior lineman.
College Highlights
Stromberg’s most decorated season came in 2022, when he earned first-team All-SEC honors and was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top blocker in the Southeastern Conference. In 2021, he was named a second-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press after allowing only three sacks across the full season. These honors placed him among the top offensive linemen in college football during his Arkansas career.
Other Wins and Performances
In high school, Stromberg was part of a Union High School team that won a state championship during his sophomore season. He was also named the Division 6AI-2 Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior, further underscoring his long track record of recognition at the offensive line position.
Ricky Stromberg Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ricky Stromberg grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he developed his football foundation at Union High School. Public information about his immediate family and parental background is limited.
Personal Life
Stromberg keeps his personal life relatively private, with limited public details available about his relationships or family beyond his upbringing in Oklahoma. He has focused much of his public profile on his football career and continued development in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a critical chapter in Ricky Stromberg’s NFL career as he looks to solidify his position within the Chicago Bears organization. After being waived as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, Stromberg quickly returned to the Bears’ practice squad the following day, giving him a continued opportunity to compete for a roster elevation during the season.
As a member of the practice squad, Stromberg’s role involves preparing the active offensive line each week while remaining ready to step into game action if needed. His prior experience in both guard and center positions gives the Bears flexibility in how they deploy their offensive front, particularly in case of injuries or rotational needs along the interior.
Looking ahead, Stromberg’s outlook centers on continued development, physical recovery, and earning more playing time within the Bears’ offensive scheme. His pedigree as a third-round pick and former Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner provides a strong foundation for a potential breakthrough, and his progress in 2025 will be closely watched by the Bears’ coaching staff as the team evaluates its long-term plans along the offensive line.