James Alexander Ritcher (born May 21, 1958) is an American former football guard who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. Ritcher played college football for the NC State Wolfpack, where he received All-American honors. He was drafted in the first round of the 1980 NFL draft, and played for the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL.

Early years

Ritcher was born in Berea, Ohio. He attended Highland High School in Medina, Ohio, where he wrestled and played high school football.

College career

He attended North Carolina State University, and played for the NC State Wolfpack football team from 1976 to 1979. As a senior in 1979, he was a consensus first-team was an All-American and won the Outland Trophy as the nation's best college interior lineman.

Professional career

In the National Football League, Ritcher was moved to guard from center by the Buffalo Bills, for whom he played 14 seasons. He started in all four Super Bowl appearances of the Bills (Super Bowl XXV, Super Bowl XXVI, Super Bowl XXVII, and Super Bowl XXVIII) and was selected to two Pro Bowls. He finished his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Life after football

In 1998, he was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2012 he was inducted as a member of the inaugural class of the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame He is currently working as a commercial pilot, flying for American Airlines.