Falcons' Ridley stepping away from football to focus on mental health

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced Sunday he will "step away from football" to focus on his mental wellbeing.

Ridley missed his second game of the season in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers due to what the Falcons called a "personal matter." The wideout also missed a Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London.

The 26-year-old didn't go into detail when asked about the reason for his absence when he last spoke to the media on Oct. 21.

"I mean, in today's world, me personally, it shouldn't matter, you should mind your business," Ridley said, according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein. "But in today's world, yeah, I do. To me, if I say it's personal, that means it's personal."

Ridley was third on the Falcons in receiving yards, racking up 281 yards and two touchdowns on 31 catches. He is coming off a career-best season of 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine scores.

"Certainly wish Calvin all the best," quarterback Matt Ryan said Sunday after the Falcons lost to the Carolina Panthers, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "We love him and support him. He's a great friend and a great person. We all support him as he’s going through this."

Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts should take on an even greater role as Atlanta's primary weapon in the passing game. Cordarrelle Patterson, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Tajae Sharpe will lead the receiving group.