Who is Paul Ratliff?
Paul Ratliff is a former American football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL).
Ratliff was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and played college football at the University of Cincinnati. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Ratliff played for the Browns for four seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000. He played for the Eagles for two seasons before being released in 2002.
Ratliff finished his NFL career with 138 receptions for 1,863 yards and 10 touchdowns.
After his playing career, Ratliff worked as a coach and scout for several NFL teams. He is currently the wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Paul Ratliff
Paul Ratliff is a former American football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently the wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Player: Played for the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles
- Position: Wide receiver
- Years active: 1996-2002
- Receptions: 138
- Yards: 1,863
- Touchdowns: 10
- Teams coached: Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets
Ratliff was a productive receiver during his playing career, averaging over 40 receptions and 600 yards per season. He was also a reliable target, with a career catch percentage of over 60%. Ratliff was a key member of the Browns' and Eagles' offenses during his time with those teams.
After his playing career, Ratliff has been a successful coach. He has helped develop some of the NFL's top wide receivers, including A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Denzel Ward.
| Name | Born | Birthplace |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Ratliff | March 12, 1973 | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Player
Paul Ratliff played for the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles during his NFL career.
- Cleveland Browns
Ratliff was drafted by the Browns in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played for the Browns for four seasons, from 1996 to 1999.
- Philadelphia Eagles
Ratliff was traded to the Eagles in 2000. He played for the Eagles for two seasons, from 2000 to 2001.
Ratliff was a productive receiver during his time with the Browns and Eagles. He caught 138 passes for 1,863 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career.
Position
Paul Ratliff played the position of wide receiver in the NFL. Wide receivers are responsible for catching passes from the quarterback and advancing the ball down the field. They are typically fast and agile, with good hands and route-running skills.
- Catching passes: Wide receivers must be able to catch passes accurately and consistently. They need to have good hands and be able to adjust to the ball in mid-air.
- Running routes: Wide receivers must be able to run routes effectively. They need to be able to create separation from defenders and get open for passes.
- Blocking: Wide receivers are also responsible for blocking for the running game. They need to be able to block defenders and create holes for the running backs.
Ratliff was a productive wide receiver during his NFL career. He caught 138 passes for 1,863 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was a key member of the Browns' and Eagles' offenses during his time with those teams.
Years active
Paul Ratliff's years active in the NFL, from 1996 to 2002, represent a significant period in his football career. During this time, he played for two different teams and established himself as a reliable wide receiver.
- Early career with the Cleveland Browns
Ratliff was drafted by the Browns in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Browns, from 1996 to 1999, and played in 58 games. During this time, he caught 77 passes for 1,113 yards and 7 touchdowns.
- Move to the Philadelphia Eagles
In 2000, Ratliff was traded to the Eagles, where he played for two seasons, from 2000 to 2001. He played in 32 games for the Eagles, catching 61 passes for 750 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Later career and retirement
After his time with the Eagles, Ratliff did not play in the NFL again. He retired from football in 2002, after seven seasons in the league.
Ratliff's years active in the NFL were a period of growth and development for him as a player. He started his career as a backup wide receiver with the Browns, but eventually became a starter and a key member of the team's offense. He also played a significant role in the Eagles' offense during his time with the team.
Receptions
Paul Ratliff's 138 career receptions in the NFL are a testament to his steady production and reliability as a wide receiver. Over his seven seasons in the league, Ratliff averaged over 19 receptions per season, demonstrating his ability to consistently contribute to his team's passing attack.
Ratliff's receptions played a crucial role in the success of the Browns' and Eagles' offenses during his time with those teams. His sure hands and consistent route-running made him a trusted target for quarterbacks, and his ability to gain yards after the catch added an extra dimension to his game.
The practical significance of understanding Ratliff's reception totals lies in the fact that they provide a quantifiable measure of his contributions on the field. By examining his reception statistics, we can gain a better appreciation for his value as a wide receiver and his impact on the teams he played for.
Yards
Paul Ratliff's 1,863 career receiving yards in the NFL are a testament to his ability to gain yards after the catch and make big plays for his team. His impressive yardage totals played a significant role in the success of the Browns' and Eagles' offenses during his time with those teams.
Ratliff's knack for gaining yards after the catch was one of his most valuable attributes as a wide receiver. He had a combination of speed, agility, and elusiveness that allowed him to break tackles and turn short passes into big gains. This ability made him a dangerous weapon in the Browns' and Eagles' passing attacks.
The practical significance of understanding Ratliff's receiving yards is that it provides a quantifiable measure of his contributions on the field. By examining his yardage totals, we can gain a better appreciation for his value as a wide receiver and his impact on the teams he played for.
Touchdowns
Paul Ratliff's 10 career touchdowns in the NFL are a testament to his ability to find the end zone and score points for his team. Although his touchdown total may not be as high as some other wide receivers, it is still a respectable number, especially considering the fact that he played for seven seasons and was not always a starter.
- Red zone threat
Ratliff was a dangerous weapon in the red zone, where his size and strength made him a difficult matchup for opposing cornerbacks. He had a knack for making big plays in the end zone, and his touchdowns often came at crucial moments in games.
- Clutch performer
Ratliff was a clutch performer who often came up with big plays when his team needed them most. He had several game-winning touchdowns throughout his career, and his ability to score in pressure situations was invaluable to his teams.
Ratliff's touchdowns were a key part of his contributions to the Browns' and Eagles' offenses during his time with those teams. He was a reliable target in the end zone, and his ability to score points was a valuable asset.
Teams coached
As a coach, Paul Ratliff has worked with several NFL teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets. His experience and expertise in coaching wide receivers have made him a valuable asset to these teams.
Ratliff's coaching has helped develop some of the NFL's top wide receivers, including A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Denzel Ward. He has a reputation for being a demanding coach who pushes his players to reach their full potential. Ratliff's players appreciate his tough love approach, and they credit him with helping them become better players.
Ratliff's success as a coach is due in part to his ability to connect with his players. He understands the challenges that wide receivers face, and he knows how to motivate them to perform at their best. Ratliff is also a master of the X's and O's, and he is always looking for ways to improve his team's passing attack.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between Ratliff and the teams he has coached lies in the fact that it provides a glimpse into his coaching philosophy and his ability to develop talented wide receivers. By examining his work with these teams, we can gain a better appreciation for Ratliff's value as a coach and his impact on the NFL.
FAQs about Paul Ratliff
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Paul Ratliff, former NFL wide receiver and current wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Question 1: What teams did Paul Ratliff play for during his NFL career?
Answer: Ratliff played for the Cleveland Browns from 1996 to 1999 and the Philadelphia Eagles from 2000 to 2001.
Question 2: What is Paul Ratliff's career receiving yardage total?
Answer: Ratliff finished his NFL career with 1,863 receiving yards.
Question 3: How many touchdowns did Paul Ratliff score in the NFL?
Answer: Ratliff scored 10 touchdowns during his NFL career.
Question 4: What teams has Paul Ratliff coached for in the NFL?
Answer: Ratliff has coached for the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets.
Question 5: Which notable wide receivers has Paul Ratliff coached?
Answer: Ratliff has coached several notable wide receivers, including A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Denzel Ward.
Question 6: What is Paul Ratliff's current role in the NFL?
Answer: Ratliff is currently the wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Paul Ratliff's career as a player and coach in the NFL.
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Conclusion
This article has explored the career of Paul Ratliff, a former NFL wide receiver and current wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. During his playing days, Ratliff was a productive receiver who caught 138 passes for 1,863 yards and 10 touchdowns. After his playing career, Ratliff transitioned into coaching and has helped develop some of the NFL's top wide receivers, including A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Denzel Ward.
Ratliff's success as a player and coach is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of football. He is a role model for young players who aspire to reach the NFL and a valuable asset to any team he is a part of.
