Analysis
3/6/23
2 min read
Jaguars Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley Reinstated by NFL
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley received good news on Monday.
The NFL fully reinstated Ridley following a nearly full-year suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policies, the Jaguars announced.
"Today's reinstatement by the NFL brings an end to a challenging chapter of my professional career, one that was self-inflicted and began with an isolated lapse in judgment," Ridley wrote in a statement. "I have always owned my mistakes, and this is no different. I have great respect for the game and am excited for the opportunity to restart my career in Jacksonville. 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."
The Jaguars issued a statement, exclaiming their excitement for Ridley to make his debut in what's likely to be an explosive Jacksonville offense.
"Calvin is a proven playmaker, and we are excited to see him compete among and with his new teammates, first during our offseason program in April and ultimately into the 2023 season, as we collectively pursue a championship for Jacksonville."
The Jaguars are expected to return wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with Ridley, who will join running back Travis Etienne, newly-tagged tight end Evan Engram and budding star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Jacksonville acquired Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons in November 2022 for two conditional draft picks, the best of which could end up as high as a 2024 second-rounder if the Jaguars extend Ridley's contract past this season.
Ridley applied for reinstatement on Feb. 15, and many in league circles expected him to be available for the 2023 NFL season. On March 7, 2022, Ridley was suspended indefinitely by the league after he was found to have bet on NFL games during a five-day period in Nov. 2021.
Ridley was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He's been a consistently productive asset when available, recording at least 60 catches for no less than 800 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in each of his first three professional seasons.
In 2020, Ridley's last full season with the Falcons, he was one of the NFL's most productive receivers. He caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, earning a second-team All Pro selection.
