Calvin Ridley appeared in his first regular season game in almost two years and put on a clinic in his new team’s very first drive on Sunday as the NFL season kicked off.
Ridley last played on Oct. 2024, 2021, while with the Falcons before he stepped away from football for personal reasons and was then dealt a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Subsequently, the Jaguars traded for the young wideout and it appears their decision is immediately paying dividends.
In his first drive in his first game back on Sunday, Ridley caught four passes for 41 yards and capped it all off with a touchdown.
Calvin Ridley scores in his first NFL game since 2021 🔥
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 10, 2023
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/pqQoJAXyLt
NFL fans were blown away by Ridley’s immediate impact and reacted online. It’s early, but if this is any indication on what’s to come for Ridley in Jacksonville, defenses would be wise to throw some extra bodies at the 28-year-old.
Here are the best reactions to Ridley’s hot start in his big return:
New #Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley already has a TD from Trevor Lawrence. He had FOUR receptions on the drive.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 10, 2023
He's so back. pic.twitter.com/dyPdCHT4Yv
Calvin Ridley touchdown. Let's go!!!
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 10, 2023
Calvin Ridley TD!!! pic.twitter.com/kjE67KQuCt
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) September 10, 2023
So Calvin Ridley won’t be rusty, LOL. My bad, #DUUUVAL
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) September 10, 2023
pic.twitter.com/JHbWh4ruRs
Calvin Ridley arrives with a bang! https://t.co/ywfYb1J504
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) September 10, 2023
Calvin Ridley after betting on himself to score the first touchdown
— Playmaker Betting (@playmakerbet) September 10, 2023
pic.twitter.com/T2pmjkAsu8
Calvin Ridley after betting himself as the first TD scorer: pic.twitter.com/BcdOFXS1PT
— Bookmakers Review (@BMRReviews) September 10, 2023
