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 approximately 142 kilograms, Stromberg plays a key position along the offensive interior. After a standout college career with the Arkansas Razorbacks, he entered the NFL in 2023 and continues to pursue his professional trajectory as an interior offensive lineman.
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 developed into one of the most promising offensive linemen in the region. At Union, Stromberg played as a two-way lineman, gaining valuable experience on both sides of the ball during his formative years.
As a sophomore, Stromberg was part of a Union team that posted an 11–2 record and won the Oklahoma state championship. The following year, his junior squad improved to a 12–1 mark before falling in the state division championship. His development continued into his senior season, when he was named the Division 6AI-2 Offensive Lineman of the Year after leading a team that finished 9–3.
Rated as a four-star recruit, Stromberg was ranked the fifth-best center nationally and the fourth-best overall player from Oklahoma. He initially committed to play college football at the University of Tulsa before ultimately switching his commitment to the University of Arkansas, a decision that set the stage for his collegiate ascent.
Path to American Football
Stromberg’s journey to Division I football began with his move to Arkansas after high school, where he joined a Southeastern Conference program known for producing NFL-caliber linemen. His early playing time at Arkansas helped him refine the footwork, strength, and technique required to handle elite competition at the offensive line position.
During his freshman year with the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2019, Stromberg appeared in 12 games and started the final 11. He took over as the starting left guard in the second week of the season after an injury to Austin Capps, then shifted to right guard when Capps returned. Through that stretch, Stromberg did not allow a single sack, signaling his readiness for higher competition.
In 2020, Stromberg transitioned to center, appearing in nine games and starting eight while allowing only one sack. The position change demonstrated his versatility and football intelligence, both critical traits for an interior lineman. By the end of his sophomore campaign, he had become one of the most reliable young linemen in the SEC.
Ricky Stromberg Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Stromberg’s first two seasons at Arkansas established him as a foundational piece of the Razorbacks’ offensive line. Starting at both guard and center, he gained experience against some of the most physical defensive fronts in college football while maintaining clean pass-protection numbers. Coaches valued his dependability and his willingness to play any position along the interior.
His positional flexibility and steady development earned him a starting role heading into his junior year. By the close of the 2020 season, Stromberg had positioned himself as a leading candidate for postseason all-conference recognition and as a future NFL draft prospect.
SEC Breakthrough (2021–2022)
In 2021, Stromberg earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the Associated Press after allowing only three sacks across the season. The recognition reflected his growing consistency as the Razorbacks’ starting center and his ability to anchor the offensive line against top-tier SEC defensive tackles.
As a senior in 2022, Stromberg reached the peak of his college career. He was named first-team All-SEC and received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, an award given annually to the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. Following the season, Stromberg opted to forgo his remaining eligibility and declared for the 2023 NFL draft. He also participated in the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, a prestigious postseason all-star game that allowed NFL teams a closer look at his skill set.
Washington Commanders Era (2023–2024)
Stromberg was selected by the Washington Commanders in the third round, 97th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 19, 2023, officially beginning his professional career. His selection reflected the value teams placed on his college production, positional versatility, and SEC pedigree.
His rookie season was interrupted on November 7, 2023, when he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. The following year, on August 27, 2024, Stromberg was waived and placed on injured reserve before being released with an injury settlement shortly afterward, ending his initial stint in Washington.
Chicago Bears Era (2024–Present)
On November 13, 2024, Stromberg signed with the Chicago Bears’ practice squad, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025, securing his place with the organization heading into the new league year. The deal provided Stromberg an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on the active roster.
On August 26, 2025, Stromberg was waived by the Bears as part of final roster cuts. He returned to the team’s practice squad the following day, reinforcing his ongoing role with the organization as he continues to develop at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stromberg’s most notable milestones include winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2022 as the best blocker in the SEC and being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders. His college career at Arkansas featured consistent performance across multiple positions along the offensive interior, including guard and center.
Ricky Stromberg Career Wins
While offensive linemen are rarely recognized through traditional win counts, Stromberg’s career has been marked by individual accolades and team accomplishments at both the high school and collegiate levels. His state championship as a sophomore at Union High School and his All-SEC selections highlight a career defined by consistency and recognition from coaches and media.
SEC Highlights
Stromberg earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2021 and first-team All-SEC recognition in 2022. His senior campaign culminated in the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the best blocker in the conference. His transition to center and his low sack-allowed totals across multiple seasons cemented his reputation as one of the conference’s top interior linemen.
Other Performances
Beyond his conference accolades, Stromberg competed in the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, an annual all-star game featuring top NFL draft prospects. He was also ranked the fourth-best overall player from Oklahoma and the fifth-best center nationally as a high school recruit, underscoring his long-standing status among the country’s elite linemen.
Ricky Stromberg Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Stromberg grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attended Union High School, where he developed into a top-rated offensive lineman. His roots in Oklahoma football shaped his early exposure to the sport and contributed to his path toward playing at the highest levels of college and professional football.
Personal Life
Stromberg’s personal life remains largely private, with limited public details available regarding his relationships or family beyond his upbringing in Tulsa. He continues his professional football career with the Chicago Bears organization as of the 2025 season.
2025 Season Performance
Stromberg’s 2025 season with the Chicago Bears began with a reserve/future contract signed in January. After participating in the team’s offseason program and training camp, he was waived during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, before being signed to the practice squad the following day. The move reflects his continued role within the Bears organization as a developing interior lineman.
His placement on the practice squad provides Stromberg an opportunity to refine his technique, build chemistry with teammates, and position himself for future promotion to the active roster. Throughout his professional career, his versatility and SEC-level experience remain his strongest assets.
Looking ahead, Stromberg’s primary focus will be on earning an active roster spot and contributing on the field for the Bears. His trajectory from third-round draft pick to a player working through the practice squad illustrates the perseverance required to sustain a career in the NFL.