Ryan Hayes Bio
Ryan Hayes (born February 28, 2000) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 304 pounds, Hayes is a left tackle who entered the league after a distinguished career with the Michigan Wolverines. He is recognized for his durability, pass protection, and run-blocking technique developed during five seasons at the University of Michigan.
Hayes began his NFL career in 2023 after being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Over the following two seasons, he spent time with the Dolphins, the Indianapolis Colts, and back with Miami, working primarily through practice squad contracts. In August 2025, he joined the Atlanta Falcons, where he continues his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Hayes was born on February 28, 2000, in Traverse City, Michigan. He grew up in the same northern Michigan community and attended Traverse City West Senior High School. During his time in high school, Hayes distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and football. His versatility and athleticism made him a standout prospect.
On the football field, Hayes was a two-way player, lining up as both an all-state tight end and a defensive end. His size, footwork, and competitive drive drew attention from college recruiters across the country. He was ranked as a four-star recruit and was listed as the No. 10 offensive tackle in the nation, earning him offers from several major college football programs.
Among the schools that extended offers to Hayes were Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, TCU, Vanderbilt, and Virginia. The recruitment process gave him a chance to evaluate programs at the highest level of college football. Ultimately, Hayes chose to stay in-state and committed to the University of Michigan, where he would develop into one of the top offensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference.
Path to American Football
Hayes enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2018, beginning his collegiate career under head coach Jim Harbaugh. As a freshman, he did not appear in any games, using the year to learn the offensive system, build strength, and adjust to the speed of college football. His work in practice set the foundation for future playing time along the offensive line.
Before his sophomore season, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Hayes would back up offensive linemen Jalen Mayfield and Jon Runyan Jr. The opportunity to learn from experienced players helped him grow technically. As a sophomore in 2019, Hayes played in 12 games on the offensive line, including two starts. He made his collegiate debut on August 31, 2019, in a game against Middle Tennessee, starting at left tackle in place of fifth-year senior Runyan, who was sidelined with an injury. After Runyan returned, Hayes served as the team’s swing tackle.
Ryan Hayes Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Hayes spent his first two seasons at Michigan developing behind established veterans. As a junior in 2020, he started the first two games at left tackle before an injury ended his season. The 2020 campaign was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting his opportunities to showcase his development. Despite the setback, Hayes continued to refine his craft and prepare for a larger role.
Through his early years, Hayes earned a reputation for his work ethic, technique, and willingness to play in any situation along the offensive line. Coaches praised his footwork and intelligence at the position, traits that would later define his senior seasons.
Michigan Wolverines Breakthrough (2021-2022)
As a senior in 2021, Hayes started all 14 games at left tackle and helped lead a Michigan offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the nation, with 10, and ranked third-fewest in tackles for loss with 27. His dominant play helped the Wolverines win the Joe Moore Award, given to the best offensive line unit in college football. Following the season, he was named Second-team All-Big Ten, the first of two consecutive honors.
As a graduate student in 2022, Hayes started 11 games after missing the first game of the season due to injury. He helped lead an offensive line that allowed 12 sacks and recorded a 5.97 sack-adjusted yards per carry, once again winning the Joe Moore Award. Following the season, he was again named Second-team All-Big Ten. On November 21, 2022, he accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, a showcase event for top NFL Draft prospects.
Miami Dolphins Era (2023-2024)
Hayes was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round, 238th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 29, 2023, as part of final roster cuts, and was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on August 30, 2023. Hayes was waived by the Colts on September 19, 2023, after a short stint with the team.
On September 22, 2023, Hayes was signed to the Dolphins practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024, and continued to develop within Miami’s system. Hayes was waived/injured by the Dolphins on August 27, 2024, but was re-signed to the practice squad on November 6, 2024. He signed another reserve/future contract with Miami on January 7, 2025, and was later waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025-Present)
On August 28, 2025, Hayes was signed to the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot and continue his development in a new offensive system. Hayes joined the Falcons looking to build on his practice-squad experience and earn a more permanent role along the offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hayes is a two-time Joe Moore Award winner, recognized in both 2021 and 2022 for his role on Michigan’s elite offensive line. He earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2021 and 2022, establishing himself as one of the conference’s top tackles. His invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl further cemented his status as a top professional prospect, leading to his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ryan Hayes Career Highlights
Across his time at Michigan and in the NFL, Hayes has built a résumé defined by consistency, durability, and high-level play along the offensive line. He was a key contributor on back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning units and has continued to pursue his professional career through various practice squad opportunities.
Michigan Wolverines Highlights
Hayes started 25 games across his final two seasons at Michigan, helping the Wolverines offensive line allow just 10 sacks in 2021 and 12 sacks in 2022. He earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in both years, capping his college career with an invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl.
Other Performances
Hayes has spent time with three NFL organizations since 2023, working primarily through practice squad contracts. His experience with the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons has provided him with exposure to multiple offensive systems and coaching philosophies, helping him develop into a more complete professional.
Ryan Hayes Family
Personal Life
Ryan Hayes was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, the same community where he attended Traverse City West Senior High School. He continues to maintain a presence in the area, even as his professional football career has taken him to various NFL cities.
2025 Season Performance
Hayes joined the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad on August 28, 2025, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The Falcons, looking to bolster depth along the offensive line, added Hayes to provide additional competition and development opportunities.
Throughout the 2025 season, Hayes has worked to earn a more permanent role with the Falcons, drawing on his experience with the Dolphins and Colts. His technique and football intelligence, refined at Michigan, have positioned him as a reliable depth piece along the offensive line.
Looking ahead, Hayes will continue to compete for an active roster spot with the Falcons, with the goal of establishing himself as a long-term contributor in the NFL. His path from Traverse City West to the NFL reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and steady improvement.