Ex-Alabama star WR Calvin Ridley has had quite the interesting journey in the NFL. After a prolific three-year career with the Crimson Tide, bookended by National Championships in 2015 and 2017, Ridley was a first-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Ridley was an instant success with the Falcons, culminating in a second-team All-Pro season in 2020. But declining mental health caused him to step away from football during the 2021 season. Six months later, Ridley was suspended for the 2022 season after it was discovered he had bet on NFL games during his hiatus from football.
The Falcons traded Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars during that suspension, and after serving his suspension, Ridley made his return in 2023. His "letter to the game" for the Players' Tribune after his reinstatement remains one of my favorite things a former player has ever written.
Ridley made a triumphant return to the NFL, producing over 1000 yards and eight touchdowns in his single season with the Jaguars before earning 4-year, $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Despite shoddy QB play, Ridley went over 1000 yards again last season.
Now, Ridley is thirsty for an even bigger season. Teammed with No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at QB, there's optimism in Nashville for the first time in a few years.
The now 30-year-old Ridley looks like his normal self in Training Camp. This week, the Titans are participating in joint practices with the Falcons, the same team Ridley began his NFL journey with. He has relished the opportunity to compete against the team that drafted him, and he's had no problem letting the fans know about it.
Calvin Ridley barks at Falcons fans after winning rep vs. former teammate
“Do y’all Remember Me!!??”
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) August 12, 2025
Former Falcons and current Titans WR Calvin Ridley to the Falcons fans after winning this 1-v-1 battle vs AJ Terrell… pic.twitter.com/Sz7Y20RVE8
Ridley is plenty familiar with former Clemson CB A.J. Terrell. They were teammates for two seasons in Atlanta. He won this route against his former teammate and then had no problem letting the Falcons fans in attendance know all about it.
Ridley has always been a smooth route-runner; it's what led to him immediately stepping in as Alabama's No. 1 option at WR as a true freshman in 2015, a role he would not relinquish during his three years in Tuscaloosa.
His route running looks as good as it ever has in that clip. Ridley is poised for a big year with the Titans. You can bet the rookie Ward will be looking his way early and often.