14 BECK E T T.COM
CALVIN
RIDLEY,
WR, FALCONS
- 64 Catches
- 821 Receiving Yards
- 10 TDs
WHAT DID YOU
LEARN ABOUT
YOURSELF IN YOUR ROOKIE YEAR?
“I definitely took it to another level, but almost
too far that kind of hurt me at times. Working really
hard and studying film really hard. I learned a lot, but
sometimes I overdid it. That was the same with train-
ing. Sometimes I was doing stuff that I didn’t need to
be doing. I had to find a routine for myself. I was trying
to find my way of being consistent and focused.”
IN WHAT UNIQUE WAYS WERE YOU USED IN
THE OFFENSE ALONG WITH JULIO JONES?
“I feel like I was used exactly the same way Julio
was used. We pretty much run the same routes. Every-
one knows Julio Jones can get open and make plays. I
can’t do it the way he does it, but I feel like I’m a great
player. I can make plays. I just have to stay consistent
and work hard.”
WHAT WAS YOUR WELCOME TO THE
NFL MOMENT?
“Mine was my first game against the Eagles. It was
a Thursday night game. The defense was just way
faster than I had seen in training camp. Everything
was just moving so much faster. I couldn’t even calm
down. I didn’t even know what they were doing. It
really slowed down for me the next few days and the
next game.”
WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE SEEING SO MANY OF
YOUR FIRST FOOTBALL CARDS RELEASE INTO
THE MARKET?
“It’s really cool, to see all types of cards some
through. I might see a card with a nice jersey or hat
that I’ve worn. Even at this rookie appreciation event,
they do a great job. It’s just amazing that I have foot-
ball cards with me on them, and be able to give them
to some kids. It’s something you dream of.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO
2019 ROOKIES?
“Definitely take advantage of every opportunity be-
cause I see a lot of dudes think they are on the team
but they get cut. Be dedicated to the work. That’s
the only way you will be here and get what you want.
Don’t live with regret.”
WHAT VETERANS DID YOU GET TO MEET THAT
YOU WERE A FAN OF?
“I met a couple of good ones who came up to me.
Mike Evans talked to me. He showed me some stuff and said he
really liked my game. Adrian Peterson also.”
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE IDENTITY OF THE OFFENSE
NEXT YEAR?
“Just a very explosive offense—running and catching the ball,
and scoring all types of ways. We want to have the best offense
in the NFL.”
ARE YOU SPENDING SOME TIME SIGNING MORE FOOTBALL
CARDS FOR UPCOMING PRODUCTS?
“Yeah I just finished my rookie deal yesterday with Panini. It
was fun.”
ROOKIE WRAP-UP