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Calvin Ridley is back on the field following a near two-year absence. The wide receiver made his debut with Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon.
He had been serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, but the lengthy stint away from the game hasn’t seemed to affect his play. Ridley hauled in his first TD of the season in the first quarter of action.
The Jaguars opened the 2023 season with division rival Indianapolis this weekend as they look to make a return to the playoffs. Over the offseason, the franchise picked up the former Atlanta receiver to further bolster its offense.
The addition is paying early dividends.
Through the first half of action, Ridley already has seven catches for 92 yards and his first TD of the year. He already has a connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, having hauled in more than half of his eight completions on the day.
Ain’t this what they been waiting for?@CalvinRidley1 | @Trevorlawrencee pic.twitter.com/Jx68yWAg29
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 10, 2023
Ridley had four catches on the first drive, alone, including this long reception on a deep comeback route.
This is just beautiful.@CalvinRidley1 | @Trevorlawrencee pic.twitter.com/zAuXTyYUae
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 10, 2023
Ridley admitted to gambling on football games during the 2021 season during a time when he was away from his team focusing on his mental health. That admission landed him a suspension for the entire ’22 campaign.
He claims to have won $36,000 on bets placed, still a far cry from the $11 million he forfeited in his time away from the field. The wideout has since warned others about the dangers of gambling on professional sports.
Ridley is enjoying his NFL return. We’ll see if he can find the endzone again in Indy as he looks to get the Jaguars a season opening win.