The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense is set to look even more dangerous in 2023. The Jags’ wideout Calvin Ridley, who sat out the entire last season after being suspended indefinitely by NFL, was reinstated on Monday and can freely resume his playing career.
Ridley was suspended for placing bets on NFL games in February 2022 while he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite not knowing when Ridley will be able to play again, the Jaguars traded a fifth-round pick in 2023 and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder to Atlanta last November to acquire the 28-year-old player. If certain conditions are met, the latter pick could turn into a second-round selection.
“I have great respect for the game and am excited for the opportunity to restart my career in Jacksonville,” Ridley said in a statement after the news about reinstatement was confirmed. “I look forward to showing my new coaches, teammates, and the entire Jaguars organization exactly who I am and what I represent as a player and person.”
Calvin Ridley entered the league as the Falcons’ first-round pick in 2018. After two solid seasons, he had a breakthrough campaign in 2020, getting 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. Ridley was selected in Second-Team All-Pro at the end of that season.
Ridley played five games in 2021 before deciding to step away from football in order to focus on his mental health. It was during his leave of absence that the NFL discovered he was betting on football games.
With Ridley in the building, the Jags might field one of the most talented offenses this upcoming season. He joins rising star QB Trevor Lawrence, fellow wideouts Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, and Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram.
