A former Alabama wide receiver is back in the National Football League.
Calvin Ridley, a South Florida native, has been reinstated by the league after serving a one-year suspension.
NFL reinstated Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2023
The NFL has reinstated Calvin Ridley.
Massive get for the #Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence’s weaponry will now include:
RB Travis Etienne
WR Calvin Ridley
WR Christian Kirk
TE Evan EngramJacksonville finished 2022 scorching hot – winning 6 of their last 7. Could be scary in Duval. pic.twitter.com/XGpbDOtqA4
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) March 6, 2023
BREAKING: #Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley has been reinstated by the NFL, per
He was suspended all of last season for betting on NFL games.
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 6, 2023
His punishment stemmed from betting on games in 2021. Ridley had to forfeit his $11.1 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Ridley has an opportunity to do something special with Trevor Lawrence. As a former five-star prospect, he had two 800+ yard receiving seasons for the Falcons. Ridley exploded in his third year, totaling a career-high 90 catches for 1,374 yards. He posted nine touchdowns on 15.3 yards per reception.
RELATED: Calvin Ridley can apply for NFL reinstatement, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Ridley was a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion (2015, 2017) at the University of Alabama.
He is ready to get back to action in the pros.
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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.