Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Bates

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 17, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ryan Bates made an impact.

Ryan William Bates is an American professional football center who currently plays for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). Prior to his professional career, Bates played college football at Penn State University for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: PIAA Class AAA Championship win and All-State Selection

In 2013, Ryan Bates helped the Archbishop Wood Vikings secure the PIAA Class AAA Championship with a 13–2 record. For the 2013 season, Bates also received first team all-state selection honors.

2014: Consecutive PIAA Class AAA Championship win and League Honors

In 2014, Ryan Bates and the Vikings won the PIAA Class AAA Championship for the second consecutive time. Bates was also named to the First-team All-Philadelphia Catholic League in 2013 and 2014. In his junior season, in 2014, Bates was named the 2014 Pennsylvania Football News Lineman of the Year.

2015: Under Armour All-America Game selection

In 2015, during his senior season, Ryan Bates earned Under Armour All-America Game selection honors while also serving as co-captain.

2016: Started in all 14 games

During the 2016 season, Ryan Bates started in all 14 games as a redshirt freshman. He played as an offensive lineman, left guard and left tackle. He earned various Big Ten honors along with All-American and Team of the Week honors during the 2016 season.

2017: Started 8 of 10 games as a left tackle

During his sophomore season in 2017, Ryan Bates started 8 of 10 games as a left tackle. He sat out games against Michigan State, Rutgers and Nebraska due to an injury.

2018: Earned third-team All-Big Ten honors

In 2018, during his junior season, Ryan Bates earned third-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten Teams of the Week honors. While at Penn State, Bates graduated with a degree in Labor and Employment Relations.

May 10, 2019: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

On May 10, 2019, Ryan Bates signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

August 9, 2019: Traded to the Buffalo Bills

On August 9, 2019, Ryan Bates was traded to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Eli Harold.

2021: First Career Start

In 2021, Ryan Bates made his first career start in Week 16 of the season at right guard, and started the remainder of the season and through the playoffs at left guard.