In a move that has stunned One Chicago fans, Patrick John Flueger — who has played Officer Adam Ruzek since the very first season of Chicago P.D. — is stepping away from the hit NBC drama. The long-time fan favorite is reportedly taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, marking one of the most emotional shake-ups in the show’s recent history.
A Sudden but Supportive Departure
According to production insiders, Flueger’s decision was “sudden but necessary,” with filming schedules already being rearranged to accommodate his time off. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” one insider shared. “Patrick has been the heart of Chicago P.D. for over a decade. Everyone — the cast, the crew, the fans — is feeling this one. But right now, he needs to take care of himself.”
NBC has yet to release an official statement clarifying the reason behind his break, but multiple sources confirm that it’s tied to a private personal matter, not contract issues or creative disputes. “The show fully supports him,” said one executive. “Patrick is family. He’ll always have a home here.”
Fan Reactions: “He’s the Soul of Chicago P.D.”
Within hours of the news breaking, fans flooded social media with messages of love and encouragement, using the hashtag #WeLoveYouPatrick, which trended nationwide.
“He’s the soul of Chicago P.D. — it won’t be the same without him,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Twelve years of loyalty, heart, and grit. He deserves all the time he needs.”
What This Means for Burzek
Flueger’s absence comes at a crucial point in the series, as Chicago P.D. has been heavily focused on Ruzek’s rekindled relationship with Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati). Known affectionately by fans as “Burzek,” the duo’s emotional reunion has been one of the season’s most celebrated storylines.
Writers are reportedly reworking scripts to account for Flueger’s break, ensuring that Ruzek’s temporary exit feels “organic, heartfelt, and respectful.” One source emphasized that the show is not writing Ruzek off or killing him: “They’re giving both Patrick and his character the space they need — on screen and off.”
A Family On and Off Set
Flueger’s co-stars have been quick to show their support. Jason Beghe (Hank Voight) posted a simple yet moving message: “Take the time you need, brother. We got you.” Meanwhile, Marina Squerciati shared a heartfelt note on Instagram: “Love you, partner. Always.”
The posts drew thousands of emotional responses, with fans praising the One Chicago cast’s bond and the genuine sense of family that’s made the franchise such a long-running success.
Not the First Goodbye — But It Hits Different
Chicago P.D. is no stranger to sudden cast changes. From Jesse Lee Soffer’s shocking exit as Jay Halstead to Tracy Spiridakos’s emotional farewell, the Intelligence Unit has weathered its share of heartbreak. But insiders say Flueger’s departure feels “different — more personal, more human.”
“This isn’t about contracts or burnout,” one NBC source explained. “It’s about life — and sometimes, life needs to come first.”
What’s Next for Ruzek
Though no on-screen details have been confirmed, the writers reportedly plan to give Ruzek a storyline explanation that leaves the door wide open for his return. Some fans speculate that he could go undercover again or take a break to focus on family, particularly his daughter Mikayla.
Whatever the creative decision, fans agree on one thing: Chicago P.D. won’t feel the same without him.
A Legacy That Endures
Since 2014, Patrick John Flueger’s Adam Ruzek has been a cornerstone of the series — a streetwise officer with a big heart, endless loyalty, and a knack for getting in over his head. His chemistry with Squerciati’s Burgess gave P.D. one of its most enduring emotional arcs.
As one crew member put it, “Patrick’s a fighter. He’s been through tough stuff before, and he always comes back stronger. When he walks back onto that set, it’s going to be one hell of a moment.”
Until that day, fans are sending their love and patience. As one post beautifully summed it up:
“Take your time, Patrick. Chicago will still be here when you’re ready to come home.”
