Calvin Ridley ‘stepping away from football’ for mental health

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced that he will be stepping away from football to focus on his mental health.

Sunday afternoon, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced that he’d be taking a break from football so that he could take care of his mental health.

He previously made the decision to address a personal matter, and that was keeping him out of the Falcons’ game against the Carolina Panthers, but now it looks like Ridley will be missing more than just this week’s game.

In a tweet, Ridley announced he’d be stepping away “from football at this time” so that he could “focus on [his] mental wellbeing.”

In his announcement, Ridley took the opportunity to thank the Falcons and his teammates, along with fans, friends, and family members who were supporting him in his decision and as he goes forward.

Calvin Ridley thanks Atlanta Falcons for support as he steps away to focus on mental health

Throughout his career up to this point, Ridley has caught 248 passes for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns during the regular season.

Ridley, a 26-year-old receiver from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been with the Falcons since 2018 when he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick. Prior to playing for the Falcons, Ridley played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ridley helped the Crimson Tide win two national championships during his time in Tuscaloosa, one in 2015 and then another in 2017.

Now Ridley is making sure his mental health is being taken care of. He’s made an incredibly difficult decision to leave the Falcons and prioritize his own well-being. That’s a tough thing to do, but kudos to Ridley for making that choice. Good for him for taking the time to take care of himself.