Jahvaree Ritzie
Jahvaree Ritzie is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. 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 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
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.
On January 22, 2026, Ritzie signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.