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

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

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“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.”

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

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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.

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