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50 Facts About Desmond Ridder

Muriel Oday

Written by Muriel Oday

Modified & Updated: 04 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Courier-journal.com

Who is Desmond Ridder, and why is he making waves in the NFL? Born on August 31, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ridder's journey from a two-star high school recruit to an NFL quarterback is nothing short of inspiring. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he attended St. Xavier High School, where he showcased his dual-threat abilities. Despite modest recruitment ratings, he committed to the University of Cincinnati, where he became a standout player. Ridder's college career was marked by impressive milestones, including leading Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, he quickly made his mark, earning his first NFL win against the Arizona Cardinals. Known for his mobility, leadership, and football IQ, Ridder continues to develop as a promising quarterback. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and determination, making him a player to watch in the NFL.

Key Takeaways:

  • Desmond Ridder's journey from Louisville to the NFL showcases his resilience and passion for football, earning accolades and leading to a promising career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • Ridder's unique high school tryout story and college achievements highlight his potential as a valuable asset in the NFL, with leadership traits and dedication to improvement setting the stage for future success.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School
02College Recruitment and Career
03Achievements and Awards
04NFL Draft and Career
05Professional Career Highlights
06Skills and Playing Style
07Leadership and Development
08College Coaching Influence
09Future Prospects
10Desmond Ridder: A Rising Star in the NFL

Early Life and High School

Desmond Ridder's journey to the NFL began in Louisville, Kentucky. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he faced challenges early on but found his passion in football.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Desmond Kelly Ridder was born on August 31, 1999, to a young mother in Louisville, Kentucky.

  2. High School Career: At St. Xavier High School, Ridder shone as both a passer and runner, amassing 1,319 passing yards and 668 rushing yards in his senior year.

College Recruitment and Career

Despite being underrated as a recruit, Ridder's college career at the University of Cincinnati was nothing short of remarkable.

  1. College Recruitment: Ridder was a two-star recruit by Rivals.com but chose Cincinnati over Eastern Kentucky.

  2. College Scholarship Offer: His scholarship offer came after a unique tryout experience with Cincinnati's coaching staff.

  3. College Career at Cincinnati: Ridder redshirted his first year, then became the starting quarterback, passing for over 2,400 yards in his redshirt freshman season.

  4. AAC Rookie of the Year: His stellar performance earned him the AAC Rookie of the Year title in 2018.

Achievements and Awards

Ridder's college years were filled with accolades and milestones that set the stage for his professional career.

  1. Redshirt Sophomore Season: In 2019, he threw for over 2,100 yards and rushed for 650 yards.

  2. MVP of the 2020 Birmingham Bowl: Ridder's dual-threat capabilities were on full display as he led Cincinnati to victory.

  3. Breakout Campaign in 2020: His performance against SMU earned him national recognition.

  4. AAC Offensive Player of the Year: Ridder was named the conference's top offensive player after a shortened season.

NFL Draft and Career

Ridder's transition to the NFL marked a new chapter, with the Atlanta Falcons selecting him in the 2022 draft.

  1. NFL Draft Eligibility: He considered entering the 2021 draft but returned for his senior year.

  2. NFL Scouting Combine: Ridder impressed scouts with his speed and athleticism.

  3. Draft Prospects: Experts projected him as a first to third-round pick.

  4. NFL Draft Selection: The Atlanta Falcons picked Ridder in the third round of the 2022 draft.

Professional Career Highlights

Ridder's NFL career has been filled with ups and downs, but his potential remains evident.

  1. Atlanta Falcons Career: He became the starting quarterback in December 2022.

  2. First NFL Win: Ridder secured his first win against the Arizona Cardinals.

  3. Second NFL Win: He followed up with another victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

  4. Rookie Season Statistics: Ridder finished his rookie year with 708 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Skills and Playing Style

Ridder's playing style is characterized by his mobility, athleticism, and leadership on the field.

  1. Mobility and Athleticism: His ability to extend plays with his feet is a significant asset.

  2. Pocket Presence: Ridder's awareness in the pocket helps him avoid sacks.

  3. Accuracy Concerns: While generally accurate, he sometimes struggles with ball placement.

  4. Deep-Ball Arm Strength: Ridder compensates for his lack of arm strength with experience and understanding.

Leadership and Development

Ridder's leadership qualities and dedication to improvement have been key to his success.

  1. Team-First Leader: Known for his humility and work ethic, Ridder is a trusted leader.

  2. NFL Career Progression: Despite scrutiny, he has shown growth and development.

  3. Success Rate: Ridder ranks highly in success rate, showcasing his efficiency.

  4. Time to Throw: His quick release has helped reduce pressure on the offensive line.

College Coaching Influence

Coaching played a crucial role in shaping Ridder's skills and approach to the game.

  1. College Coaching Influence: Specific coaching techniques helped refine his throwing mechanics.

  2. Historical Significance: Ridder led Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff, a first for a Group of 5 team.

  3. High School Tryout Story: His unique scholarship offer story adds a personal touch to his journey.

  4. College Career Milestones: Each year at Cincinnati was marked by significant achievements.

Future Prospects

Ridder's future in the NFL looks promising, with potential for growth and success.

  1. Mobility and Football IQ: His intelligence and mobility make him a valuable asset.

  2. Career Backup Potential: If not a starter, Ridder could have a long career as a reliable backup.

  3. Fantasy Consideration: His skills make him an intriguing option for fantasy football players.

  4. Current Team: As of the latest updates, Ridder plays for the Las Vegas Raiders.

  5. Trade History: He has been part of the Falcons and Cardinals before joining the Raiders.

  6. Offseason Training: Ridder's dedication to improvement is evident in his offseason work.

  7. Leadership Traits: His calm demeanor and decision-making are key to his leadership.

  8. College Football Playoff Appearance: Ridder's leadership helped Cincinnati reach new heights.

  9. Historical Context: His scholarship offer story highlights the unconventional nature of his recruitment.

  10. College Coaching Impact: Coaching played a significant role in his development.

  11. College Career Milestones Summary: Each year at Cincinnati showcased his resilience.

  12. NFL Debut Performance Summary: Ridder's debut showed promise despite challenges.

  13. Future Prospects: With continued effort, Ridder could become a reliable NFL starter.

  14. Mobility and Football IQ: His intelligence and mobility make him a valuable asset.

  15. Career Backup Potential: If not a starter, Ridder could have a long career as a reliable backup.

  16. Fantasy Consideration: His skills make him an intriguing option for fantasy football players.

  17. Current Team: As of the latest updates, Ridder plays for the Las Vegas Raiders.

  18. Trade History: He has been part of the Falcons and Cardinals before joining the Raiders.

  19. Offseason Training: Ridder's dedication to improvement is evident in his offseason work.

  20. Leadership Traits: His calm demeanor and decision-making are key to his leadership.

Desmond Ridder: A Rising Star in the NFL

Desmond Ridder's journey from a two-star recruit to an NFL quarterback is nothing short of inspiring. Raised by his mother and grandmother in Louisville, Kentucky, Ridder's story is one of perseverance and dedication. His time at the University of Cincinnati showcased his talent, earning him accolades like the AAC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Ridder's transition to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons has been marked by growth and potential. His mobility, football IQ, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset on the field. Despite challenges, Ridder's ability to engineer game-winning drives and his strong pocket presence highlight his potential as a reliable starting quarterback. As he continues to develop, Ridder's future in the NFL looks promising, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Desmond Ridder?
Desmond Ridder is a professional football quarterback who has made waves in the sports world for his impressive skills on the field. Known for his agility, strong arm, and leadership qualities, Ridder has become a standout player, captivating fans and sports analysts alike.
What makes Desmond Ridder stand out in football?
What sets Ridder apart is his unique combination of athleticism and football IQ. He's not just quick on his feet; he's also quick-thinking, able to read defenses and make split-second decisions that often lead to game-changing plays. His work ethic and dedication to improving his game also make him a role model for young athletes.
Has Desmond Ridder won any awards?
Yes, throughout his career, Ridder has racked up several accolades. These include conference titles, MVP awards, and selections to All-American teams. Each award highlights his contributions to his team's successes and his individual prowess on the gridiron.
What challenges has Desmond Ridder faced in his career?
Like many athletes, Ridder has faced his share of challenges, including tough losses, injuries, and the high expectations that come with being a top player. Despite these hurdles, his resilience and determination have seen him through, helping him grow both as a player and a person.
How does Desmond Ridder inspire fans and fellow athletes?
Ridder's journey from a young hopeful to a professional quarterback is a source of inspiration. His commitment to excellence, ability to overcome adversity, and leadership on and off the field resonate with many. Fans and fellow athletes admire his dedication to his craft and his team-first attitude.
What's next for Desmond Ridder?
While it's hard to predict the future, Ridder's trajectory points to more success. With his talent, work ethic, and the support of his team, he's poised to reach new heights in his career. Fans eagerly await his next move, confident he'll continue to impress and inspire.
How can I follow Desmond Ridder's career?
For those looking to keep up with Ridder's journey, following him on social media and sports news platforms is a great start. These channels provide updates on his games, achievements, and personal milestones, letting fans stay connected with one of football's rising stars.

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