Atlanta Falcons GM provides update on the status of Calvin Ridley
The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2021 NFL season 7-10 and missed the playoffs in head coach Arthur Smith’s first season. During his final regular season interview, general manager Terry Fontenot addressed the off-field story which dominated headlines for much of the year.
Star wide receiver Calvin Ridley missed the final two months of the season after leaving the team to focus on his mental health. The announcement came on Oct. 31 after he was scratched from the day’s game against the Carolina Panthers at the last second.
The situation has not featured many public updates, but as the absence extends into the offseason, his future with the franchise has been brought up.
“It really hasn’t changed,” Fontenot said, via the Associated Press. “As an organization we’ve done the best job we could just to support Calvin and do everything we can for him.”
He continued: “Really up to this point nothing has changed.”
Ridley burst onto the scene in 2020 with 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns beside his idol and teammate Julio Jones. The two former Alabama wide receivers created a dynamic duo over Ridley’s first three seasons.
However, Jones’ departure for the Tennessee Titans last offseason thrust Ridley into the spotlight as WR1. He struggled in the first five games, catching just 31 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns with more attention from the defense.
Between the lack of production and his absence for mental health reasons, Calvin Ridley’s future in Atlanta will remain a hot topic until he and the Falcons organization make a decision.
“No, I wouldn’t assume anything,” Fontenot said about any move. “Like I said, we handle each situation individually. There are so many variables we deal with. We’re going to try to add to every position this offseason.”
Calvin Ridley steps away
When Calvin Ridley stepped away for mental health reasons, he released the following statement on his situation with the Falcons. The former Crimson Tide star’s message seems to suggest he will return when he feels ready. When that time will come, however, is unknown.
“These past few weeks have been very challenging and as much as I’d like to be on the football field competing with my teammates, I need to step away from football at this time and focus on my mental wellbeing,” Ridley said in a statement. “This will help me be the best version of myself now and in the future.
“I want to thank my teammates, the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, our great fans, my friends, and my family for all of their support during this time.”