After more than a decade serving in the ranks of NBC’s Chicago P.D., one of the show’s original cast members is officially stepping away. Patrick John Flueger, who has portrayed Officer Adam Ruzek since the series premiered in 2014, will not be returning as a series regular in Season 13. The news marks the end of an era for both the actor and the One Chicago franchise, sending shockwaves through the show’s devoted fan base.
Flueger’s departure closes a significant chapter in the long-running police drama, which has already weathered several major cast changes over the years. Ruzek’s character was a fan favorite from the beginning — a passionate, impulsive cop who matured into one of the Intelligence Unit’s most trusted and emotionally grounded members. His complex relationship with fellow officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) became one of Chicago P.D.’s most enduring love stories, adding depth and humanity to the gritty procedural.
Sources close to the production confirm that Flueger’s exit was a mutual decision between the actor and the show’s creative team. “Patrick has been an incredible part of Chicago P.D. since day one,” a source shared. “His dedication to the character and the fans has been unwavering. This decision allows both him and the series to explore new directions.”
As for how the show will handle Ruzek’s departure, insiders suggest Season 13 will open with an emotional storyline that provides closure to his journey. Viewers last saw Ruzek recovering from near-fatal injuries and grappling with his role in Intelligence, questioning his future in law enforcement. According to early reports, his exit will be handled with respect to the character’s legacy — offering a satisfying, if bittersweet, farewell.
Flueger’s exit continues a recent trend of Chicago P.D. veterans moving on, following the departures of Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) and Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton). Despite these changes, NBC and Wolf Entertainment remain confident in the show’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and justice.
Fans have taken to social media to express both sadness and gratitude for Flueger’s decade-long run. Many praised his emotional performances and natural chemistry with the ensemble cast, calling him “the heart of the show.” Squerciati herself posted a heartfelt tribute, writing, “Working with Patrick has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Ruzek will always be part of Intelligence — and part of me.”
As Chicago P.D. heads into its thirteenth season, one thing is certain: Adam Ruzek’s legacy will continue to echo through the squad room. His departure marks not just the end of a character, but the evolution of a show that has never shied away from change — and somehow, always comes back stronger.
