The Unseen Battle: Patriots Tackle Reveals He Played 2024 Season With Major Injury

It's often said that professional athletes play through pain, but every now and then, a revelation emerges that truly puts that sentiment into perspective. Such is the case with veteran New England Patriots offensive tackle, Riley Reiff. In a recent, refreshingly honest admission, Reiff shared that he spent the bulk of the 2024 NFL season on the field, battling not just opposing linemen, but also a debilitating torn meniscus.

Imagine, for a moment, the sheer grit required. To perform at the highest level of professional football, to block some of the most fearsome pass rushers in the league, all while dealing with a compromised knee joint. Reiff, known for his dependable presence, spoke with a raw candor, expressing his frustration with his own performance during that challenging season. He felt, quite acutely, that he had let his team down, a heavy burden for any athlete, especially one who prides himself on his reliability.

It's easy for fans, myself included, to look at a player's performance on Sundays and draw conclusions. We see the struggles, the missed blocks, the penalties, and we don't always consider the hidden narratives. Reiff's revelation offers crucial context to what, at times, appeared to be a challenging year for him on the offensive line. While certainly not an excuse for every misstep, playing through such a significant injury undoubtedly takes a toll, affecting agility, power, and even mental focus.

The veteran tackle reportedly underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in January of 2025, finally addressing the issue that had plagued him. Now, as the calendar has turned and recovery is underway, Reiff has been able to reflect on the experience and, crucially, to begin the process of healing properly. It’s a testament to his dedication, one might say, that he pushed through for as long as he did, attempting to contribute despite his physical limitations.

Coming to the Patriots in March of 2023 on a one-year deal, Reiff was meant to bolster an offensive line that desperately needed veteran leadership. He saw action in just eight games during the 2024 season, primarily at right tackle, and, frankly, the performance didn't always meet the high expectations placed upon him. Knowing what we know now, however, paints a much fuller, more empathetic picture of what he was truly up against.

Ultimately, Reiff’s story is a powerful reminder of the hidden tolls of professional sports. These athletes, heroes to many, often put their bodies on the line in ways we can barely comprehend, pushing through pain barriers that would sideline most of us. His journey through the 2024 season, playing with a torn meniscus and feeling the weight of perceived underperformance, underscores the profound commitment and often unseen struggles that come with playing in the NFL.