Calvin Ridley has not walked on an NFL lawn since October 24, 2021. He will therefore attack the coming season after almost two years of absence. He had first moved away from the field to take care of his mental health, before being suspended for having bet on a match of his team.
The question of its level therefore inevitably arises.
He is not worried.
“I try to be humble,” he said Wednesday in his first speech since his return, according to ESPN. “I’ve been pretty good at American football all my life, and I’ve not only been good, I’ve worked to be good. “They talk about two years without playing. But are we not talking about healing? What if I was faster? What if I had become stronger?
Obviously, I have become wiser. Why couldn’t I be better? »
” He is hungry “
Since March 6, Ridley has been reinstated by the NFL, and he has practiced several times with Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback of his new team.
“He was amazing,” says Lawrence. ” He is hungry. He is happy to be here. He has the right attitude. I think that’s what I noticed the most. On the pitch, he’s a monster, just his way of running the tracks and his explosiveness. »
In 2020, Ridley had 1,374 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Falcons. Apparently, he sees himself taking over at this level.
“I am a player who is worth 1400 yards. God will determine my stats. American football is serious. You don’t play 17 games in a row thinking you’re going to be healthy every time. What I mean is I’m worth 1400 yards on a broken foot. So I know I can play well and I’m one of the best receivers in the league. »
