Jahvaree Ritzie

Jahvaree Ritzie (born January 31, 2003) is an American professional football nose tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Early life Ritzie attended Robert B. Glenn High School in Kernersville, North Carolina. He was rated as a four-star recruit and committed to play college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels over other schools such as Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio State, and Tennessee.

College career In his first three collegiate seasons from 2021 to 2023, Ritzie appeared in 39 games for the Tar Heels, where he totaled 98 tackles with five being for a loss, two and a half sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble, for North Carolina. In the 2024 season opener, he notched three sacks in a win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) defensive lineman of the week. In week 9, Ritzie intercepted a pass which he returned 84 yards for a touchdown, while also notching a tackle for a loss and a sack, in a win over the Virginia Cavaliers.

Professional career

New England Patriots On May 9, 2025, Ritzie signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent after going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft. On August 26, he was waived by the Patriots as part of final roster cuts and signed to the practice squad the following day. On September 2, Ritzie was released from the practice squad.

Pittsburgh Steelers On January 22, 2026, Ritzie signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was waived by the Steelers on May 26.

Minnesota Vikings On June 16, 2026, Ritzie signed with the Minnesota Vikings. On August 30, he was waived by the Vikings as part of the final roster cuts. He was signed to the Vikings practice squad the next day.