A two-time Joe Moore Award winner at Michigan who has spent his pro career fighting through practice squads before finding a home in Tennessee.
Ryan Hayes was part of two elite, award-winning offensive lines at Michigan before entering the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 2023. Since then, the Traverse City, Michigan native has been on the move, cycling through four organizations before signing with the Titans.
Path to the league
Hayes played offensive tackle at Michigan from 2018 to 2022, redshirting as a freshman before working his way into the starting lineup. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the seventh round, 238th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
As a senior in 2021, Hayes started all 14 games at left tackle for a Michigan offensive line that allowed only 10 sacks, the fewest in the nation, and won the Joe Moore Award. He returned for a fifth season in 2022, started 11 games, and helped Michigan's line win the Joe Moore Award again. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2021 and 2022 and was invited to the Senior Bowl.
2025 season recap
Hayes spent 2025 bouncing between practice squads, first with Miami before being waived in late August, then signing with the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad. He signed a reserve/futures contract with the Tennessee Titans in February 2026, adding offensive line depth heading into the new season.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ryan Hayes (American football)
- Pro Football Reference: Ryan Hayes
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Offensive Tackle
- Group
- offense
- College
- Michigan
- Hometown
- Traverse City, MI, USA
- Age
- 26
- Status
- active
