Calvin Ridley Is Stepping Away From Football To Focus On Mental Health

Break the stigma.

Yesterday, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced that he would be stepping away from football for an unspecified amount of time due to mental health issues and an undisclosed personal situation.

On Sunday, Ridley went to Mercedes Benz Stadium and spoke to head coach Arthur Smith about his personal issue. The two chatted and came to the solution to make Ridley inactive.

Following Atlantas 19-13 loss to Carolina, Smith was asked about Ridley and said “Calvin's dealing with something personal, and it's going to remain personal on my end. Calvin's statement speaks for him, and so when we got here today, we talked and put him inactive.”

CALVIN RIDLEY @CalvinRidley1

October 31st 2021

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Earlier this season, the Falcons played the Jets in London. Ridley did not make the trip across the pond because he was dealing with what is believed to be the same personal issue that is taking him away from the game now.

Ridleys teammates have been very supportive of the Alabama alum. Quarterback Matt Ryan said “Certainly wish Calvin all the best” and “We love him and support him and he's a great friend and a great person”.

This is a huge step towards breaking the stigma of mental health issues with athletes. I’ve personally never seen an athlete take leave during the season for mental health, and I commend Ridley for it. He’s handling what is important and seeking help.

In September of 2020, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott opened up about his mental health struggles throughout Covid-19.

He opened up about the passing of his mother when he was in college, along with his brother Jace taking his life earlier in the year. Actions like this work to make talking about mental health in men and athletes an acceptable and okay thing.

Another athlete that has struggled with mental health and is working to break the stigma is Ridleys teammate and fellow pass catcher, Hayden Hurst.

Hurst has opened up about his time playing minor league baseball and developing the “yips” which led him to spiral into alcohol addiction and cocaine use which eventually turned into a suicide attempt in 2016.

He says that his 2016 suicide attempt “was the best and worst thing that's ever happened in my life,”. It gave him a new lease on life and he has started the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation to raise mental health for young people.

To any athlete or anyone in general that is struggling, you are not alone. There are many people who would care and miss you if you were gone, so please seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.