History of Calvin Ridley in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 14, 2024

Calvin Ridley is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans. He achieved collegiate success at Alabama, winning national championships in 2015 and 2017. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, he was recognized as a top rookie and achieved All-Pro status in 2020.

1980: Falcons Rookie Record Set

Junior Miller set the Atlanta Falcons rookie record for receiving touchdowns in 1980.

1989: Shawn Collins Named to PFWA All-Rookie Team

Shawn Collins earned a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1989 as a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons.

1991: Mike Pritchard Named to PFWA All-Rookie Team

Mike Pritchard received recognition on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1991 while playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

December 20, 1994: Calvin Ridley is Born

Calvin Orin Ridley was born on December 20, 1994.

October 31, 2002: Enters Foster Care

On October 31, 2002, Calvin Ridley and his brothers were placed in foster care after their father was deported and their mother incarcerated.

2011: Julio Jones Named to PFWA All-Rookie Team

Julio Jones was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2011 for his impressive performance with the Atlanta Falcons.

April 19, 2014: Commits to University of Alabama

Calvin Ridley decided to play college football for the University of Alabama on April 19, 2014.

June 19, 2015: Enrolls at Alabama

Calvin Ridley officially began his studies at the University of Alabama on June 19, 2015.

September 5, 2015: First College Game

Calvin Ridley debuted in college football on September 5, 2015, against the University of Wisconsin.

2015: College Football National Championship

Calvin Ridley was part of the Alabama Crimson Tide team that won the National Championship in 2015.

2015: Starts College Football Career

Calvin Ridley's college football journey began in 2015 at the University of Alabama under the guidance of coach Nick Saban.

2016: Continued Success at Alabama

Calvin Ridley continued to excel for Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2016 season.

2017: Third College Football Playoff Appearance

Alabama, with Calvin Ridley, reached the College Football Playoff for the third time in 2017.

2017: Final Year at Alabama

Calvin Ridley concluded his college football career at Alabama in 2017.

2017: Second College Football National Championship

Calvin Ridley helped Alabama secure their second National Championship victory in 2017.

January 10, 2018: Enters 2018 NFL Draft

Calvin Ridley decided to enter the 2018 NFL Draft on January 10, 2018, skipping his senior year at Alabama.

July 5, 2018: Signs with Atlanta Falcons

Calvin Ridley officially signed his first NFL contract with the Atlanta Falcons on July 5, 2018.

2018: Impressive Rookie Season

Calvin Ridley had a standout rookie season in the NFL, leading all rookies in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2018.

2018: NFL Draft

Calvin Ridley was drafted into the NFL in 2018 by the Atlanta Falcons.

2019: Brother Drafted into the NFL

Calvin Ridley's brother, Riley Ridley, was drafted into the NFL in 2019.

2019: Abdominal Injury

During the 2019 season, Calvin Ridley experienced an abdominal injury, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

2020: Earns Second-Team All-Pro Honors

Calvin Ridley achieved second-team All-Pro recognition for his performance during the 2020 NFL season.

2020: Plays with Broken Foot

Calvin Ridley played a significant part of the 2020 season with a broken foot, showing resilience and determination.

2020: Daughter's Birth

In 2020, Calvin Ridley and his wife welcomed their daughter.

2020: Second-Team All-Pro Selection

In 2020, Calvin Ridley was named to the Associated Press' All-Pro 2nd Team for his excellent performance during the season.

May 3, 2021: Fifth-Year Option Exercised

On May 3, 2021, the Atlanta Falcons exercised the fifth-year option on Calvin Ridley's contract, securing him for the 2022 season.

September 12, 2021: Home Robbery

On September 12, 2021, while Calvin Ridley was playing against the Philadelphia Eagles, his home was robbed. The incident led to Ridley experiencing anxiety.

2021: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

Calvin Ridley achieved a ranking of 65th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021, as voted by his fellow players.

2021: Steps Away from Football

Citing mental health reasons, Calvin Ridley took a break from football in 2021.

March 7, 2022: Indefinite Suspension

The NFL suspended Calvin Ridley indefinitely on March 7, 2022, due to his involvement in betting on NFL games, including on his own team, in the previous season.

November 1, 2022: Traded to Jacksonville Jaguars

On November 1, 2022, Calvin Ridley was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars despite being suspended for the entire 2022 season. The trade involved conditional draft picks, with the terms depending on Ridley's reinstatement and performance.

2022: Suspension for Gambling

Calvin Ridley was suspended indefinitely in 2022 for violating the NFL's gambling policy.

2022: Salary Guaranteed for 2022

Calvin Ridley's contract option guaranteed him a salary of $11.1 million for the 2022 season.

February 15, 2023: Applies for Reinstatement

On February 15, 2023, Calvin Ridley applied for reinstatement to the NFL. This was his first day eligible to do so after his suspension for betting on NFL games.

March 2023: Reveals Broken Foot in 2020 Season

Calvin Ridley disclosed in March 2023 that he played most of the 2020 season with a broken foot.

September 10, 2023: Jaguars Debut

On September 10, 2023, Calvin Ridley made his debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking his return to the NFL after a 686-day absence due to suspension. He had a strong performance in the game, catching eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.