Desmond Ridder, hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, emerged as a formidable force in Football, transcending from his humble beginnings to becoming the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. Born in August 1999, Ridder’s journey to gridiron stardom began at St. Xavier High School, where his talent on the field quickly garnered attention. Despite facing early life challenges, being raised by his teenage mother and grandmother, Ridder’s determination propelled him to excel both academically and athletically.
At St. Xavier, Ridder’s prowess as a quarterback shone brightly, earning him accolades such as All-Metro honors during his senior year. His stellar performance attracted collegiate offers, ultimately leading him to choose the University of Cincinnati over other suitors. After redshirting his freshman season, Ridder quickly rose to prominence, seizing the starting quarterback position and earning recognition as the conference’s Rookie of the Year.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Ridder’s talent only flourished. He seized the spotlight in 2020, earning MVP honors at the Birmingham Bowl and clinching his first All-AAC honors along with the title of AAC Offensive Player of the Year. His remarkable achievements continued into the following year, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal player for the Bearcats.
In 2022, Ridder’s journey took another monumental turn as he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the NFL Draft. Under the leadership of head coach Arthur Smith, Ridder swiftly ascended to the role of starting quarterback, demonstrating his poise, skill, and leadership on the field. With his eyes set on further success in the NFL, Ridder embodies the epitome of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to his craft.