Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson told reporters Tuesday that they’ve had to “pump the brakes” on Calvin Ridley to make sure the wide receiver doesn’t go too hard after nearly two years away from the football field.
Later in the day, Ridley said it’s a good thing Jaguars coaches are there to rein in his efforts at practice.
“I was at home for a year, I’m juiced up, I want to be out there,” Ridley told reporters after an OTA practice. “Thank God I’m around a bunch of good people, a good program, and they know how to do this. Cause if you let me do this myself, I’ll tire myself out by the time the season’s here.
“I’ve got a lot of good people here I’ve been working out with. A lot of good strength staff. I’m excited about where I’m at right now.”
Ridley, 28, last played a game during Week 7 of the 2021 season while he was with the Atlanta Falcons. The Jaguars acquired the former first-round pick in a midseason trade during the 2022 season while the receiver was suspended.
In an open letter published on The Players’ Tribune in March, Ridley said he’ll give the Jaguars 1,400 yards per season.
