JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Welcome back, Calvin Ridley! The wide receiver scored his first touchdown since 2021 against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday in the Jacksonville Jaguars season opener.
Leading up to his first touchdown back, Ridley caught 4 catches for 41 yards.
Ridley hasn't had the easiest journey in the NFL since being drafted back in 2018 by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round.
In October 2021, Ridley took a step away from football to focus on his mental health. On March 7, 2022, he was suspended for the entirety of the 2022 NFL season for betting on NFL games in November 2021, hence the touchdown milestone. He also had a foot injury that resulted in surgery.
Flash forward to now, Ridley is healed, healthy and balling out with the Jaguars as he is quarterback Trevor Lawrence's right hand man on the field.
If you're living in or near Jacksonville during Jaguars training camp, nine times out of 10, they're the main topic in the room. Now, with our guy, Calvin Ridley; he will also pop up in conversation.
The wide receiver had several cameras on him at all times during training camp. Fans are ready for him to show them what he's got this season, and we've already had a glimpse of it in week 1.
His speed, footwork and IQ on the field is unmatched.
And with great responsibility comes the pressure.
But when we're talking about Calvin Ridley, pressure makes diamonds. He said he's used to it.
"There is no pressure," Ridley told reporters following the Jaguars' week 1 victory. "I've been doing this. I'm going to continue to say this. As soon as I was a high school player, everyone at my high school loved me, too, screaming my name."
He said he doesn't let the outside noise get to him.
"Football is what I do," Ridley said. "I don't have social media. I don't know if you know, I don't have much social media. I don't really watch ESPN and all that. I'm just here to help this team win games."
