Falcons’ Calvin Ridley announces he is stepping away from football to focus on his mental wellbeing

Falcons star receiver Calvin Ridley introduced on Sunday that he’s stepping away from the sport of soccer to concentrate on his psychological wellbeing. This announcement comes after the 26-year-old was a shock inactive for Atlanta’s Week 8 matchup with the Carolina Panthers. His absence was formally listed as a private matter, which marks the second time this season he has missed a sport for the undisclosed private matter. Ridley didn’t journey with the staff to London for his or her Oct. 10 matchup with the New York Jets. He did, nevertheless, play towards the Miami Dolphins final week earlier than sitting out once more on Sunday. 

“These previous few weeks have been very difficult and as a lot as I would wish to be on the sphere competing with my teammates, I have to step away from soccer right now and concentrate on my psychological wellbeing,” Ridley said in a statement. “This may assist me be the very best model of myself now and sooner or later. I need to thank my teammates, your complete Atlanta Falcons group, our nice followers, my pals, and my household for all of their help throughout this time.”

Ridley’s assertion would not give any kind of timeline as to when he might return to the sphere, however the tone means that he’ll be sidelined indefinitely. 

Again on Oct. 21 (the final time he spoke to the media), he did briefly focus on the private concern however didn’t get into a lot element as to what he’s coping with particularly. 

“I imply, in right now’s world, me personally, it should not matter, it is best to thoughts what you are promoting,” Ridley stated when requested about individuals questioning what’s going on, by way of ESPN. “However in right now’s world, yeah, I do. To me, if I say it is private, which means it is private.”

Ridley has performed in 5 video games for the Falcons this season and has caught 31 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns.