Fans of NBC’s hit show Chicago PD were surprised when Patrick John Flueger, who plays Officer Adam Ruzek, announced that he would be stepping away from the series for a while. Patrick has been part of the Chicago PD family since its debut in 2014, and his sudden decision to take a temporary break left viewers both emotional and curious.
Caption: Patrick John Flueger, who plays Officer Ruzek, has been part of Chicago PD since the beginning.
Patrick shared the news through a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking the cast, crew, and fans for their love and support. In his message, he explained that he was taking time off for personal reasons, but reassured fans that this was not a permanent goodbye.
He wrote that the decision wasn’t easy but was something he needed to do. Fans quickly flooded his post with kind messages, expressing how much they would miss him on screen.
Patrick’s Leave Is Temporary
According to reports from Deadline and People, Patrick’s leave is short-term and fully supported by NBC and the production team. Everyone behind Chicago PD has shown respect for his privacy.
There are no signs of conflict or drama — just a personal choice by Patrick to focus on things outside of work for now. The producers and crew have adjusted filming schedules to support him.
This break, according to sources, was “mutual, friendly, and professional.” That means Patrick will likely return when he’s ready.
Officer Ruzek’s Importance to the Show
Patrick John Flueger has been one of the most important parts of Chicago PD. His character, Adam Ruzek, is a brave and passionate police officer in the Intelligence Unit. Over 12 seasons, fans have watched him go through undercover missions, heartbreak, and emotional struggles — all while staying loyal to his team.
Ruzek is known for his courage, sense of humor, and caring nature, which makes him a fan favorite. His absence will definitely be felt, but fans are hopeful that he’ll be back soon.
What Happens in Chicago PD Season 13?
Season 13 of Chicago PD is already in production, and Patrick’s temporary leave means the writers have had to make a few changes. According to The Wrap, his character may be written out temporarily — possibly as a personal leave or undercover mission — so that his storyline stays open for a comeback.
Other Chicago PD stars, like Jason Beghe and Tracy Spiridakos, have also taken short breaks before, so fans can rest easy knowing this is a common part of long-running shows.
Support from the Team
NBC, Wolf Entertainment, and the show’s producers have kept things respectful and private. They’ve all emphasized one message — that Patrick’s well-being comes first.
The supportive tone from everyone involved shows how close the Chicago PD cast really is. It’s more than a show — it’s a family, both on and off the screen.
Final Thoughts
Patrick John Flueger’s break is not a goodbye, just a pause. Sometimes, even heroes need time to recharge and focus on personal matters. Fans are already looking forward to seeing him back in uniform, chasing justice, and keeping Chicago safe once again.
Until then, Officer Ruzek’s story remains open — and the door to Chicago PD will always be waiting for him.
