Falcons WR Calvin Ridley says he will 'step away from football' indefinitely
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced Sunday on Twitter that he's stepping away from football indefinitely for his "mental well-being" after he was made inactive on Sunday.
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) October 31, 2021
Ridley's name was a surprise addition to the Falcons' game-day inactives. He missed Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers with was called a "personal matter."
This is the second game this season Ridley has missed with such a designation. He did not make the trip to London and sat out the team's Week 5 win over the New York Jets there.
Ridley previously chose not to explain his absence last time around, calling it a "personal matter."
He added last week, "For me personally, it shouldn't matter because – mind your business. But in today's world, yeah, I do (understand why people are curious why).
"To me, I don't think it should. If I say it's personal, it's personal."
Following Atlanta's bye in Week 6, Ridley returned to the lineup last week in the win over the Miami Dolphins, catching four passes (on 10 targets) for 26 yards and a touchdown.
In his five starts this season, Ridley has 31 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns. His 9.1-yard receiving average would be a career low.
