Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley has been fully reinstated following being suspended for violating NFL gambling guidelines. The league announced this on Monday.
Receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games as a member of the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, forcing the 2022 season to sit out. On February 15, the first day he was eligible, he applied for the ban to be lifted.
“Today’s reinstatement by the NFL ends a difficult chapter in my professional career that I take credit for and that began with an isolated misjudgment,” Ridley said in a statement. “I’ve always acknowledged my mistakes and that doesn’t change.”
He added that he’s excited regarding the opportunity to restart his career in Jacksonville.
The 28-year-old was traded to the Jaguars for a draft pick in November last year. The wideout can participate in all activities of the team in the future.
Ridley fits into a dynamic Jaguars offense that made a big step forward last season as Trevor Lawrence’s sophomore at quarterback. He joins a group of players that also includes running back Travis Etienne, wideout Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram who is reportedly set to be tagged with the franchise.
The Jaguars returned to the postseason last season for the first time since 2017 under head coach Doug Pederson. The offensive division ranked in the top 10 in scoring rankings, averaging 23.8 points per game, while Lawrence had 4,113 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.
Ridley, a former first round pick, had his best season of 2020 when he caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.