Patrick John Flueger, who portrays the gritty yet deeply caring Adam Ruzek on Chicago PD, recently opened up about his character's emotional struggles, especially when it comes to the people he loves. In a candid interview, Flueger shared that Ruzek’s journey has been one of immense personal conflict, often torn between his duty as a cop and his desire to protect those closest to him.
Ruzek’s relationship with his fellow officers, especially his on-again, off-again romance with Kim Burgess, has been a central theme throughout the series. Flueger explained that Ruzek’s struggles are not just with the job but with balancing his personal relationships and his demanding career. "You can’t always protect the people you love, no matter how much you want to," Flueger said. "Ruzek has learned that the hard way over the years."
Flueger also touched on how Ruzek's flaws make him a more relatable and human character. “He’s not perfect, and I think that’s part of why viewers connect with him. He makes mistakes, and he has to learn how to live with the consequences,” he shared.
As the character faces increasingly difficult situations, it’s clear that Ruzek’s vulnerability will continue to shape his journey. Flueger is excited about the challenges that lie ahead for his character, noting that Chicago PD is known for throwing its characters into situations that truly test them. "It's going to get rough, but that's what makes Ruzek's story so compelling."
The actor's passion for the role shines through, and fans can expect more heart-wrenching moments and intense scenes as Ruzek navigates the complexities of life, love, and law enforcement.