Titans’ Calvin Ridley: From Suspension to Leadership Role in Tennessee

At 30 years old, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley has found balance in both his career and personal life after a rocky journey filled with injuries, mental health battles, and a gambling suspension that once derailed his career. Now entering his second season in Tennessee — and voted by teammates as a captain — Ridley believes the adversity made him “mentally stronger.”

In a wide-ranging interview with ESPN, Ridley reflected on his time away from football, the fallout from his suspension, and the fresh outlook he now brings to the Titans.

“The suspension gave me time to rest, get physically better, and mentally stronger,” Ridley said. “After that year, I was ready to come back.”

Rock Bottom in Atlanta

Ridley’s path to Tennessee began with a difficult chapter in Atlanta. Drafted 26th overall by the Falcons in 2018 after a stellar career at Alabama, Ridley quickly proved himself as one of the league’s premier route runners. His breakout 2020 season included 90 catches for 1,374 yards, the ninth-highest single-season total in Falcons history — and he did it on what was later diagnosed as a broken left foot.

But things spiraled in 2021. He battled through the lingering injury, the stress of a home burglary, and mounting mental health struggles. He eventually stepped away from football to recover, but that time away coincided with the gambling incident that changed his career.

While visiting family in Fort Lauderdale, Ridley placed wagers on basketball, college football, and — fatally — two NFL games, including the Falcons.

“I downloaded the app sitting there not knowing that I was breaking a rule,” Ridley explained. “Those were the only two NFL games I bet.”

The NFL’s strict gambling policy left no room for leniency. In March 2022, Ridley received a year-long suspension, and by the trade deadline, Atlanta shipped him to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A Second Chance

For Ridley, the suspension became a turning point. He used the time to rehab his foot, focus on his mental health, and reconnect with family. When he returned in 2023, he looked like his old self, topping 1,000 receiving yards for Jacksonville and flashing the explosiveness that once made him one of the NFL’s most promising young receivers.

Still, the Jaguars didn’t re-sign him, and Ridley tested the free-agent market. Tennessee swooped in with a four-year, $92 million deal, betting on him as a true WR1 to elevate a rebuilding offense.

In his first year with the Titans, Ridley finished with 1,017 yards and four touchdowns on 64 receptions. The staff even used him in creative ways — giving him eight carries for 55 yards and his first rushing touchdown.

Renewed Leadership in Tennessee

Heading into 2025, Ridley is not just a playmaker but a leader. Titans head coach Brian Callahan praised the veteran wideout for his consistency and example-setting.

“There’s probably not a guy that practices as hard as [Ridley] on a snap-to-snap basis,” Callahan said. “He’s really grown in his leadership. I’m actually really proud of Rid and the things that he’s accomplished.”

Ridley’s excitement also stems from his partnership with rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. Ward’s first preseason completion went to Ridley for 27 yards, and the duo showed instant chemistry.

“That boy right there is different,” Ward said of Ridley. “He’s one of the top-five receivers in the NFL. I’m blessed to play with him because he’s going to make me look good.”

Looking Ahead

The Titans’ 3-14 record last season left plenty of frustration, but Ridley has embraced his role as both a captain and mentor to a young quarterback. He enters Week 1 against the Denver Broncos healthy, confident, and focused on proving that his best football may still be ahead.

“Football is fun for me again,” Ridley said. “I’ve learned how to flush out the bad thoughts and refresh my mind. Now it’s time to dominate.”