Wide receiver Calvin Ridley had announced in the 2021 season that he would retire from football for the time being. The reason for this was psychological problems. Now Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, has spoken out and hopes for a return of Ridley.

Munich/Atlanta – It was a shock for the Atlanta Falcons. In week seven, wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced he was retiring from football for the time being.

The reason, according to his own statement, was mental and personal problems.

Blank: “We’ll see if it’s with us or another team “

Since then, it has been quiet about Julio Jones’ designated successor, who is entering his fifth year in 2022. Now Falcons owner Arthur Blank has spoken out and reiterated his desire for Ridley to return. At the same time, he offered him any help the Falcons can give him.

On Wednesday, Blank said, “It’s a tough journey for him and I think he’s very focused on putting this journey behind him,” Blank said. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to put that out of his mind, but put it in the back of his mind.”

“We have done everything in our power to support him. If he can put that behind him, then we’ll see if he continues his career with us or another team,” Blank continues. So a stay in Atlanta is anything but assured.

Falcons groping in the dark

Whether Ridley will even be able to play football in 2022, however, is still up in the air. “I’ll tell you what I know, and that is we would love to have him back with us. I haven’t spoken to him in a while, but once Free Agency comes we need to be clear on what’s going to happen going forward,” the 79-year-old said.

“Both he and his agent will know that, too,” Blank ends his plea and also his demand of the wide receiver.

Ridley totaled 31 catches for 281 yards of space and two touchdowns in five games in 2021. 2022 is the last year of his contract.