Patrick Ricard explains why he followed John Harbaugh to New York Giants

The New York Giants signed fullback Patrick Ricard to a two-year, $7.6 million deal this offseason.

At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Ricard is a massive fullback who will provide an instant boost to the Giants' run game in 2026. He is one of the top blocking fullbacks in the NFL and has played a critical role in the Baltimore Ravens' offense over the past nine seasons.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh reportedly played a major role in Ricard’s decision to sign with New York. The veteran fullback has spent his entire career playing under Harbaugh in Baltimore. When recently asked about his expectations entering his first season with the Giants, Ricard pulled no punches.

"I know what I'm getting myself into. I know exactly what type of team he wants, exactly what he expects out of you and the team in general. And I love the way he coaches," Ricard said. "He wants a physical, tough team that works very hard. He didn't have to bring me up here. He could have just been like, 'You know what, thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm with my new team, gonna be starting new.' But he wanted me up here, and that meant a lot to me."

Ricard continued to discuss Coach Harbaugh's influence in recruiting him to the Giants this offseason.

"When he reached out to me, he says, 'Hey, I'm building a bully up here in New York, and I want you to be a part of it.' I even told him, joking around, if you were coaching a Pop Warner youth football team, I'd be interested to be a part of it."

Ricard could be an instant game-changer for the Giants' run game in 2026. New York features an excellent young running back duo in Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Ricard has the potential to elevate both players' games during his tenth NFL season.