Calvin Orin Ridley is a wide receiver in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons.
Ridley had an incredibly successful college career and has translated that success to the NFL as well. Playing in prolific offenses at both levels, Ridley is often responsible for his teams putting points on the board.
Calvin Ridley played his high school football at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Florida. He was rated a five-star prospect coming out of high school, despite the fact that he was unable to play for much of his senior season.
Due to an age restriction in Florida that does not allow players to take the field if they are over 19 years and 9 months old, Ridley’s senior season of high school consisted of just three games. But he managed to make enough of an impression to sign with Alabama for his college years.
As a member of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, Ridley rose to fame by being an explosive weapon in the passing game. In his freshman season, Ridley was one of quarterback Jake Coker’s favorite targets, with Ridley earning over 1,000 yards receiving in his first season. Alabama won the College Football Playoff in Ridley’s freshman season, defeating Clemson to do so.
In his junior season, Ridley earned a spot as a first-team all-SEC selection. He averaged over 15 yards per catch that year, including seven catches for 82 yards and a score in the season opener against Florida State. Ridley caught a game-tying touchdown late in the College Football Playoff national championship game, a game the Crimson Tide would win over the University of Georgia. This ended up being Ridley’s final collegiate game.
Calvin Ridley was drafted with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons, creating a great fit for Ridley. With opposing defenses forced to focus on Julio Jones in the receiving corps, Ridley was able to make an immediate impact. He was named offensive rookie of the month for his first month as a pro, and finished his rookie year with 10 touchdown catches.
Ridley set career highs in receiving yards and yards per catch in his second season as a pro. He hauled in 63 passes for 866 yards and seven touchdowns in his sophomore campaign.
He has over 2,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns through his first three seasons as a professional, and the future is bright for Ridley to say the least.
Calvin Ridley is on his four-year rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He is set to earn just under $11 million with that rookie deal, which expires after the 2021 season.
Ridley signed a deal with Nike coming out of college, and is likely to earn more endorsements and a more lucrative second contract if he keeps putting up numbers like he has been.
Calvin Ridley is the son of Colin Ridley and Kassna Daniels. Ridley is the oldest of four siblings. Riley Ridley, who plays wide receiver in the NFL as well, is Calvin’s younger brother and is one of three brothers to Calvin Ridley overall.
Ridley is in a relationship with Dominique Fitchard.
Affiliate Disclosure: Lines may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.