Patrick Ricard, the highest-paid fullback in the NFL, is carving out a unique niche with the New York Giants. At 300 pounds and 6-foot-3, Ricard's physical presence and blocking prowess have earned him the nickname "Pancake Pat," a testament to his ability to neutralize defenders. While the fullback position is uncommon in today's NFL, Ricard's role is further distinguished by his official assignment to the tight end room, a reflection of his primary responsibility as a blocker.
"He's not in my room," said new Giants running backs coach Willie Taggart, humorously acknowledging Ricard's distinct placement. Running back Tyrone Tracy expressed confidence in Ricard's impact, stating, "I told him, ‘You do what you do, I’m gonna make you right. I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m making you look good, because you’re 300 pounds. I know a lot of dudes aren’t going to want to block you, they aren’t going to want to be blocked by you.’ I told Pat, ‘Me and you are gonna make each other a lot of money.’ "
Ricard's NFL journey began with nine seasons under John Harbaugh, first with the Baltimore Ravens and now with the Giants. His move to New York was anticipated following Harbaugh's hiring, aligning with the Giants' organizational directive assistant general manager Brandon Brown described as "building the bully" with a "pit bull mentality."
Throughout his 132 career NFL games, Ricard has accumulated only 11 rushing attempts and four receptions in the last two seasons. He remains unfazed by his limited involvement in the passing or rushing game. "I've been fortunate enough to play with so many great backs and so many great quarterbacks who can run the ball to where as long as I am blocking and we are getting yards and we’re getting touchdowns, that’s all I care about," Ricard stated. During his time with the Ravens, running backs Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson thrived, with Ricard serving as a key blocker. He acknowledged that while he is content with a blocking-focused role, he also appreciates opportunities to make a play when the ball is in his hands.
Isaiah Likely, who shared the tight end room with Ricard in Baltimore before also joining the Giants, described him as "a great Swiss Army knife."
Originally signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent defensive lineman from the University of Maine in 2017, Ricard was transitioned to fullback. He brings a defensive player's aggressive mindset to his blocking assignments. His reunion with Harbaugh and senior offensive assistant Greg Roman, who was instrumental in his development in Baltimore, is expected to further leverage Ricard's unique abilities in the Giants' running game. Roman is expected to orchestrate much of the Giants' offensive scheme, potentially unleashing "Pancake Pat" for his tenth NFL season.