Jay Ratliff - Professional Career

Professional Career

Regarded as an undersized defensive tackle, Ratliff was drafted in the seventh round (224th overall pick) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. He made his first NFL start on October 9, 2005.

Ratliff played his first NFL game at Oakland (10/2) and shared a sack with linebacker Scott Shanle. He made his first start the next week against Philadelphia (10/9) when the Cowboys opened in their nickel package. He was placed on injured reserve Nov. 1. In 2006 he played 15 games that season in the defensive line rotation. He made 10 tackles; four sacks, tied for third on the team; seven quarterback pressures, tied for the team lead; one pass breakup; and one forced fumble. He led the team with fumble recoveries, which tied for second in the NFL.

Ratliff became the starting nose tackle following an injury to Jason Ferguson early in the 2007 season. He was signed to a $20.5 million, five-year contract extension on December 14, 2007, to stay with the Cowboys through the 2012 season. The deal included an $8 million signing bonus. In 2007, He also was the Ed Block Courage Award recipient.

Ratliff was voted to the starting lineup of the 2011 Pro Bowl, his fourth Pro Bowl appearance.

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