Former Alabama Star Copes With Mental Health Challenge to Bag $92 Million Worth NFL Deal

Former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s recent years have been a rollercoaster. In 2021, Ridley abruptly announced his departure from the Atlanta Falcons mid-season, citing mental health concerns. This was followed by a year-long suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Despite the suspension, Ridley found a temporary home in Jacksonville after being traded by the Falcons and even played the entire 2023 season with them. He also sought reinstatement from his suspension.

Now, seeking stability, Ridley has landed a new and potentially long-term home in the NFL. After spending time with the Atlanta Falcons and briefly with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he is now headed to Tennessee to join the Titans. This move comes with a lucrative deal worth millions of dollars.

Alabama’s standout Calvin Ridley seals massive Titans deal

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley just inked a massive deal with the Tennessee Titans. We’re talking a four-year contract worth a whopping $92 million, with $50 million guaranteed upfront. This comes after his agents spilled the beans to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and the news was further confirmed by the Sidelines-Bama X handle.

But Ridley’s no stranger to the Bama team or the spotlight. He was a five-star recruit coming out of college, lighting it up at Alabama. He played a vital role in their national championship victories in 2015 and 2017, amassing over 2,700 receiving yards and just 19 touchdowns during his time with the Crimson Tide. Following his college career, Ridley entered the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars. However, his stint in Alabama under Nick Saban stands out, he now seeks to make a significant contribution to the Tennessee Titans’ ongoing revamp, putting past “issues” aside.

Calvin Ridley may see new hope in Tennessee

Calvin Ridley had two impressive 1,000-yard seasons (one with the Atlanta Falcons and another with the Jacksonville Jaguars). However, he often finds himself at a crossroads. His young career, once on a prosperous path, was derailed in 2022 by a gambling suspension stemming from a wager on his then team, the Falcons. Not just that, he also had mental health issues which highlighted the shortcomings within the NFL’s approach to athlete well-being. Reports suggest a team trainer disregarded Ridley’s concerns about a broken foot, potentially contributing to his struggles. Ridley himself has spoken openly about the pervasiveness of painkillers in the league, hinting at a culture that might prioritize short-term solutions over long-term player care.

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However, his new chapter seems to be promising.  Ridley has emerged from these challenges and secured a significant contract with the Tennessee Titans. This move presents an opportunity for him to recapture the brilliance he displayed at Alabama under coach Nick Saban. This time, he’ll strive to prove his worth under the leadership of Brian Callahan, head coach of the Titans. What are your thoughts on Calvin Ridley’s massive deal with the Tennessee Titans? Share your comments below. 

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