He was happy with his decision to leave Florida for a college football career at the University of Alabama, however, Calvin Ridley is more excited about what happened on Wednesday.
A week after the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the 26th overall pick of the NFL Draft, a report came from Zach Klein of WSB (ABC- TV) in Atlanta on Ridley’s rookie contract.
The former five-star wide receiver totaled 63 catches for 967 receiving yards with five touchdowns last season – including a pivotal score against Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He earned first-team All-SEC honors for his performance, while ending his tenure with 224 receptions (second all-time) and 19 scores.
According to an article via the Falcoholic (SB Nation), Ridley’s contract actually helps Atlanta tend to the needs of other playmakers — especially Mohamed Sanu. The base salary for Ridley will be $2.725 million, despite him also pulling in a signing bonus that’s a little over $6 million.
He turns 24 in December and is overjoyed to learn from Julio Jones.
With the supporting cast quarterback Matt Ryan has around him and signing a $150 million contract, there is no excuse for the Falcons to not have the most explosive offense next season.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
