MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — On Oct. 1, Chad Ryland was a free agent and looking for a job in the NFL.
Now, just four weeks later, he has become a hero for Cardinals fans after hitting three game-winning field goals, with the latest being a 34-yarder to beat the Miami Dolphins 28-27 on Sunday.
This stretch has been not only a jump start to the Cardinals' season, but also to Ryland's career, which stalled when the 2023 fourth-round pick was cut by the New England Patriots in August.
The Cardinals signed Ryland to the practice squad on Oct. 2 after kicker Matt Prater was injured. Prater was later put on IR, meaning he will be out until at least Week 12, giving the former Maryland Terrapin a shot to rejuvenate his career.
"It's been like a blur, the last three weeks," Ryland said after hitting a game-winning field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "Everything's been so fast. But now, super, super fortunate. Super thankful to have the opportunities that have been given and just try to make the most of them."
And he has absolutely made the most of this chance. Ryland was 2-2 on field goals on Sunday, adding a career-long 57-yard field goal to his game-winner, which came as time expired.
Ryland has quickly become a hero for Cardinals fans, with Sunday's game-winner causing fans to go into a frenzy on social media.
"Ordering a Chad Ryland jersey," a fan named Brandon Garcia posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
"Build the Chad Ryland Statue outside State Farm Stadium already," a fan named Brad Smith posted.
"CHAD RYLAND WE LOVE YOU," another fan named Steven posted.
"This was a great team win for the Cardinals," a fan named Anna Brice posted. "But the person I am most happy for is Chad Ryland. He is so appreciative to be here & he loves playing for this team. A few weeks ago, he was on his couch watching these (games). Kudos to another good game for him."
Is Chad Ryland the next Tom Brady?
Given Ryland's history with the Patriots, one fan compared the Cardinals kicker to the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady, who famously replaced Drew Bledsoe after Bledsoe was injured and held onto the starting job in New England until the 2019-20 season, leading New England to six Super Bowls titles in the process.
Kicking battle brewing in Arizona?
One fans is wondering if Ryland's recent performance could mean that a battle could be brewing between him and Prater when Prater gets healthy and returns to action.
Chad Ryland 2024
With the 2024 election just more than a week away, some fans had an election theme in their reactions.
"In my (semi) expert political opinion (Arizona Cardinals) kicker Chad Ryland could win any statewide election in Arizona right now," a fan named Jim Sharpe posted.
"Chad Ryland for president," a fan named Ryan posted.
Ryland and the Cardinals will be back in action next Sunday when they host the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
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Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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