Atlanta

Falcons star WR Calvin Ridley stepping away from football to focus on mental health

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) catches a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

ATLANTA — Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced Sunday that he will be stepping away from football to focus on his mental health.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“These past few weeks have been very challenging, and as much as I’d like to be on the field competing with my teammates, I need to step away from football at this time and focus on my mental wellbeing,” Ridley wrote on Twitter. “This will help me be the best version of myself now and in the future.”

TRENDING STORIES:

Ridley thanked his friends and family. He did not say how long he will be away from the team.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Ridley missed his second game of the season on Sunday to deal with a “personal matter.” He also did not travel with the team to London.

0