Following the 2020 season, it appeared as if wide receiver Calvin Ridley was going to one of the NFL’s biggest stars. After two seasons paired with future Hall of Famer Julio Jones in Atlanta, Ridley stepped forward as the main man in the offense in 2020. Coming off a season with 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns, Ridley’s name was included among the elite fantasy wide receivers.
Unfortunately, Ridley’s career – and his life – took a sharp turn five weeks into the 2021 season when he stepped away from the Falcons to deal with mental health issues. During that time it was learned he had played much of the 2020 season with a broken bone in his foot and part of his troubles were depression and a growing dependence on painkillers. His career took another downward turn when it was learned he was gambling on football while he was out and received a one-year suspension that cost him the 2021 season.
Now healthy both physically and mentally, Ridley is getting a fresh start with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He fills a void in the Jaguars offense as a downfield threat who can beat press coverage and blow the top off of defenses.
