In 2021, WR Calin Ridley was still playing for the Atlanta Falcons. He only appeared in five games and took time away from the game to deal with mental health issues. The former first-round pick was then suspended for the entire 2022 NFL season after serving a suspension for gambling.
During the 2022 season, Ridley was acquired by the Jacksonville Jaguars via trade and the 28-year-old found a new home. In the first few days of training camp, Ridley has looked sharp and hasn’t missed a beat. He told reporters that “I’m more motivated than ever” heading into 2023.
Calvin Ridley has not played in an NFL game in over 640 days
Calvin Ridley runs routes in fast forward ⏩ (via @JStCyrTV)pic.twitter.com/PcnmTWTTcP
— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2023
Ahead of the 2023 season, Calvin Ridley wants to prove that he’s still one of the league’s best WRs. The 2020 season was his last full year playing in the NFL. Ridley had 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Since being drafted in 2018, that was his most productive season as a WR in the NFL.
Ridley will be joining a talented Jaguars roster that went to the playoffs last season. Trevor Lawrence is heading into his third professional season and he’ll be Ridley’s new QB. Lawrence threw for a career-high 25 touchdowns and 4,113 passing yards last season. He had Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram to throw to last season as his primary targets. Calvin Ridley is a true WR1 and we’ll have to see just how big of a role he’ll play as the season goes on.
Calvin Ridley runs routes in fast forward ⏩ (via @JStCyrTV)pic.twitter.com/PcnmTWTTcP
— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2023
Last season, the Jaguars made it to the divisional round of the playoffs and lost 27-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. They fought hard with one of the best teams in the league and proved they have a talented group of players. Jacksonville wants to build off that success and find a way to make a deep postseason run. The addition of WR Calvin Ridley helps their cause.
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