The Extensive Gamble of Calvin Ridley
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Calvin Ridley
2. Early Career and Background
3. The Gamble of Calvin Ridley's College Career
4. The NFL Draft and Its Impact
5. Ridley's Performance in the NFL
6. The Financial Aspects of Ridley's Gamble
7. Conclusion
Introduction to Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley, born on October 6, 1996, is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Before entering the NFL, Ridley was a highly sought-after prospect from Alabama. This article aims to explore the extensive gamble that Calvin Ridley took throughout his college and professional career.
Early Career and Background
Ridley attended the University of Alabama, where he became one of the top wide receivers in the nation. In his freshman year, he caught 56 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns. As a sophomore, Ridley's production soared, catching 93 passes for 1,547 yards and 13 touchdowns. This performance led to a consensus ranking as a top-five wide receiver entering the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Gamble of Calvin Ridley's College Career
During his time at Alabama, Ridley was known for his ability to stretch the field and make plays on the perimeter. However, there were concerns about his speed, which could potentially affect his ability to be a dominant receiver in the NFL. Despite these concerns, Ridley chose to gamble on himself by forgoing his final year of eligibility and entering the draft.
The NFL Draft and Its Impact
Ridley was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. This was a significant gamble for the Falcons, as they were investing a high draft pick on a player with questions surrounding his speed. The Falcons' gamble paid off, as Ridley quickly became one of the best wide receivers in the league, leading the team in receiving yards in his rookie season.
Ridley's Performance in the NFL
Since entering the NFL, Ridley has been a consistent and reliable performer for the Falcons. In his first four seasons, he has caught 298 passes for 4,317 yards and 32 touchdowns. Ridley has proven to be a valuable asset for the team, contributing to their offensive success.
The Financial Aspects of Ridley's Gamble
The financial aspect of Ridley's gamble cannot be overlooked. As a top-10 draft pick, Ridley signed a four-year contract worth $80.6 million, with a signing bonus of $30.6 million. This contract made him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. By entering the draft and becoming a star, Ridley secured a lucrative career for himself.
Conclusion
Calvin Ridley's college career and entry into the NFL were defined by a series of gambles. He took a risk on his own abilities by choosing to enter the draft early and gamble on his speed. The Atlanta Falcons also took a chance on Ridley by selecting him with the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite the initial concerns, Ridley has proven to be a valuable player for the Falcons, and his gamble has paid off in both career success and financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Calvin Ridley perform during his freshman year at Alabama?
2. What were the concerns about Ridley's speed that led to his early entry into the NFL?
3. Which team drafted Calvin Ridley in the 2018 NFL Draft?
4. How many touchdowns did Ridley score during his sophomore year at Alabama?
5. What was Ridley's contract worth when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons?
6. How many receiving yards did Ridley accumulate during his rookie season with the Falcons?
7. Who was the consensus top-five wide receiver entering the 2018 NFL Draft?
8. What was Ridley's average per-game reception total in his first four NFL seasons?
9. What position did Ridley play at the University of Alabama?
10. How did Ridley rank in the Falcons' receiving yards leaderboard during his first four seasons?
