Desmond Ridder in action during a game, showcasing determination and focus. © Twitter (@NFLMAVERICK)
Desmond Ridder has been a standout name in the world of American football, earning accolades for his leadership, athletic prowess, and game intelligence. As one of the most promising quarterbacks in the NFL, his journey from college football stardom to professional success is nothing short of inspiring. This article delves deep into the life and career of Desmond Ridder, exploring his age, family background, statistics, draft journey, and much more.
Desmond Ridder Age and Early Life
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Desmond Ridder |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| High School | St. Xavier High School, Louisville |
| Early Athletic Career | Excelled in high school football, earning recognition as a talented quarterback |
| College | University of Cincinnati |
| College Career Highlights | Played as starting quarterback; helped lead the team to multiple successful seasons and bowl game appearances |
How Old is Desmond Ridder?
Desmond Ridder was born on August 31, 1999, making him 25 years old as of 2024. Despite his young age, he has already demonstrated maturity and skill beyond his years, earning recognition as a rising star in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Ridder hails from Louisville, Kentucky, where his love for football began at an early age. Raised by his mother, Sarah, and with the guidance of his grandmother, Ridder’s upbringing was deeply rooted in resilience and hard work. These values have been pivotal in shaping his career.
Desmond Ridder Family Parents and Personal Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Desmond Ridder |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Parents | Raised by his mother, Sarah Ridder |
| Mother’s Occupation | Sarah Ridder is known to have played a significant role in his upbringing, providing a stable and supportive environment. |
| Father | Information about his biological father is not publicly available; Ridder was primarily raised by his mother and has discussed her strong influence in his life. |
| Family Background | Desmond grew up in Louisville, where his mother raised him largely on her own, helping shape his strong work ethic and discipline. |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Claire Cornett |
| Children | Desmond and Claire have a daughter, born in 2021 |
| Personal Interests | Ridder is known for his family-oriented nature, often highlighting the importance of his loved ones in his success. He also has a passion for football, which led him to a standout college career at the University of Cincinnati. |
| College Career | Ridder was a star quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats, leading the team to significant successes and developing into a leader both on and off the field. |
| Community Involvement | He has shown an interest in supporting local communities and youth initiatives, inspired by his upbringing. |
Who are Desmond Ridder Parents?
Desmond was raised by his mother, Sarah Ridder, who played a significant role in his development both on and off the field. His father was not actively involved in his upbringing, making Sarah’s support and dedication even more vital.
Desmond Ridder Wife and Family Life
Desmond Ridder is married to Claire Cornett, his long-time partner and college sweetheart. The couple shares a beautiful bond, often showcasing their life together on social media. They have a daughter, Leighton Elizabeth Ridder, born in April 2021. Ridder balances his professional commitments with being a devoted husband and father.
Desmond Ridder’s College Stats: A Stellar Career at Cincinnati
| Category | Stats/Details |
|---|---|
| College | University of Cincinnati |
| Years Played | 2017 – 2021 |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Games Played | 50 |
| Total Passing Yards | 10,239 yards |
| Passing Touchdowns | 87 TDs |
| Interceptions | 28 |
| Completion Percentage | 62.1% |
| Rushing Yards | 2,180 yards |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 28 TDs |
| Total Offensive Yards | 12,419 yards (passing + rushing) |
| Awards & Honors | AAC Offensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021) |
| 2021 AAC Championship Game MVP | |
| Named to multiple All-AAC teams | |
| Team Achievements | Led Cincinnati to a College Football Playoff berth in 2021 (first Group of Five team to do so) |
| Multiple AAC Championships | |
| Leadership | Served as team captain |
| Legacy | Finished career as one of Cincinnati’s winningest quarterbacks with a record of 44-6 as a starter |
Dominating at the University of Cincinnati
Ridder’s college career at the University of Cincinnati was nothing short of extraordinary. Playing as the starting quarterback for the Bearcats from 2018 to 2021, he broke multiple records and established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Key College Stats
| Stat Category | Stat Value |
|---|---|
| Total Games Played | 50 |
| Total Passing Yards | 10,239 yards |
| Total Passing Touchdowns | 87 TDs |
| Interceptions | 28 |
| Completion Percentage | 62.1% |
| Total Rushing Yards | 2,180 yards |
| Total Rushing Touchdowns | 28 TDs |
| Total Offensive Yards | 12,419 yards (combined passing and rushing) |
| Passer Rating | 145.8 (career average) |
| Career Wins as Starting QB | 44 wins |
| Notable Achievements | 2-time AAC Offensive Player of the Year |
| Led team to College Football Playoff berth in 2021 |
- Passing Yards: Over 10,000 yards across his college career.
- Touchdowns: A total of 87 passing touchdowns and 28 rushing touchdowns.
- Completion Rate: Maintained an impressive 62% passing accuracy.
- Wins: Led Cincinnati to an undefeated regular season in 2021 and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Awards and Accolades
| Award/Accolade | Year(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| AAC Offensive Player of the Year | 2020, 2021 | Recognized as the top offensive player in the American Athletic Conference. |
| AAC Championship Game MVP | 2021 | Earned MVP honors for leading the Bearcats to victory in the AAC Championship. |
| First-Team All-AAC | 2020, 2021 | Selected to the All-AAC First Team for his outstanding performances. |
| Second-Team All-AAC | 2018 | Recognized for his achievements during his first year as a starting QB. |
| Manning Award Finalist | 2021 | Named a finalist for the prestigious award given to the top college quarterback. |
| Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist | 2021 | Considered among the nation’s best quarterbacks. |
| Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week | Multiple Times | Honored for exceptional individual game performances. |
| Record Holder | Career | Holds multiple Cincinnati school records for passing yards and touchdowns. |
| Team Captain | Multiple Years | Served as a leader and key figure for the Bearcats’ success on and off the field. |
- AAC Offensive Player of the Year (twice: 2020 and 2021).
- MVP of the 2020 and 2021 AAC Championship Games.
- Finished his college career as one of the most successful quarterbacks in Cincinnati’s history.
Desmond Ridder’s NFL Journey Draft and Trade Rumors
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NFL Draft Year | 2022 |
| Drafted By | Atlanta Falcons |
| Draft Round | 3rd Round |
| Overall Pick | 74th Overall |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Pre-Draft Projections | Ridder was projected as a potential second- to fourth-round pick, praised for his athleticism, leadership, and experience. |
| Combine Performance | Ridder impressed with a strong showing in drills, highlighting his speed, arm strength, and football IQ. |
| Key Strengths | Athleticism, dual-threat capabilities, leadership, and extensive college experience. |
| Initial Role with Falcons | Entered as a backup quarterback, viewed as a developmental prospect with the potential to become a starter. |
| Trade Rumors | Throughout the early stages of his career, there were minimal trade rumors, with most speculation focusing on the Falcons’ long-term QB plans. |
| Competition and QB Role | Competes for the starting QB role within the Falcons organization; development as a starter remains a point of team interest and media discussion. |
| Potential Trade Talks | As of recent seasons, the Falcons have continued to evaluate Ridder’s potential. While trade rumors occasionally emerge, the focus remains on his development and contributions. |
2022 NFL Draft
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2022 |
| Draft Dates | April 28 – April 30, 2022 |
| Draft Location | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Number of Rounds | 7 |
| Total Picks | 262 |
| Number of Teams | 32 |
| First Overall Pick | Travon Walker (DE) – Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Quarterbacks Drafted in 1st Round | Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers, 20th overall pick) |
| Desmond Ridder’s Selection | 3rd Round, 74th Overall Pick by Atlanta Falcons |
| Notable Quarterbacks Drafted | Kenny Pickett (1st Round, Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| Malik Willis (3rd Round, Tennessee Titans) | |
| Matt Corral (3rd Round, Carolina Panthers) | |
| Ridder’s Draft Analysis | Regarded as a polished college quarterback with dual-threat capabilities and leadership experience. Evaluators praised his maturity and athleticism, though some cited a need for further development in the NFL. |
| Falcons’ Draft Strategy | Focused on building depth at key positions, including adding Ridder to develop as a potential future starter at QB. |
Ridder was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, with the 74th overall pick. His selection highlighted his potential as a dual-threat quarterback capable of excelling in both passing and rushing plays.
Rookie Season Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NFL Team | Atlanta Falcons |
| Rookie Season Year | 2022 |
| Games Played | 4 (Started in the final four games of the season) |
| Total Passing Yards | 708 yards |
| Passing Touchdowns | 2 TDs |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Completion Percentage | 63.5% |
| Notable Games | Made his first NFL start in Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints |
| Recorded a season-high 224 passing yards against the Arizona Cardinals | |
| Key Strengths Displayed | Demonstrated poise and leadership as a rookie starter |
| Showed improvement in accuracy and decision-making over the course of his starts | |
| Rushing Stats | 64 rushing yards on 16 carries |
| Team Impact | Provided valuable game experience and glimpses of potential as the Falcons evaluated their long-term quarterback options. |
| Rookie Development Focus | Continued to develop in areas like reading defenses, improving deep ball accuracy, and overall game management. |
In his rookie year, Ridder showcased flashes of brilliance, stepping into the starting role late in the season. He demonstrated:
- Leadership qualities that boosted team morale.
- Strong performances under pressure, especially against tough defenses.
- An ability to adapt to the faster pace of the NFL.
Trade to the Cardinals in 2024 Preseason
In the 2024 preseason, Ridder became the subject of trade rumors linking him to the Arizona Cardinals. The potential trade stems from the Cardinals’ need for a reliable quarterback to rebuild their roster. While no official confirmation has been made, Ridder’s versatility and talent make him a valuable asset for any team.
Desmond Ridder NFL Stats and Performance
| Category | Stat/Detail |
|---|---|
| Team | Atlanta Falcons |
| Season | 2022 (Rookie Season) |
| Games Played | 4 |
| Games Started | 4 |
| Total Passing Yards | 708 yards |
| Passing Touchdowns | 2 TDs |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Completion Percentage | 63.5% |
| Pass Attempts | 115 |
| Pass Completions | 73 |
| Average Yards Per Attempt | 6.2 yards |
| Longest Pass | 39 yards |
| Rushing Yards | 64 yards |
| Rushing Attempts | 16 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 0 |
| Quarterback Rating | 86.4 |
| Notable Performance | Season-high 224 passing yards in Week 17 win against the Arizona Cardinals |
| Strengths Highlighted | Poise under pressure, decision-making, ball security (no interceptions during rookie starts) |
| Areas for Improvement | Deep ball accuracy, consistency in offensive drives |
Key NFL Stats (2022–2024)
- Passing Yards: Surpassed 4,500 yards in two seasons.
- Touchdowns: Accounted for 25 passing touchdowns and 6 rushing touchdowns.
- Quarterback Rating (QBR): Consistently improving, reaching a 90+ QBR in the 2023 season.
- Rushing Ability: Rushed for over 500 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Ridder’s steady improvement has solidified his reputation as a quarterback with significant potential.
Desmond Ridder’s Playing Style and Strengths
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing Style | Dual-threat quarterback with a focus on mobility and passing accuracy. |
| Key Strengths | |
| Mobility and Athleticism | Strong dual-threat capabilities, able to extend plays with his legs and scramble effectively. |
| Arm Strength | Good arm strength, capable of making deep throws and fitting passes into tight windows. |
| Accuracy | shows good accuracy, particularly on short to intermediate throws. |
| Decision-Making | Intelligent quarterback with quick decision-making, keeping turnovers low (no interceptions in rookie season). |
| Leadership | Strong leadership qualities, leading by example on and off the field, respected by teammates. |
| Poise Under Pressure | Stays calm and composed in high-pressure situations, as shown in late-season starts. |
| Football IQ | High football IQ with solid understanding of defenses and reading coverages quickly. |
| Rushing Ability | Effective rusher with the ability to pick up key yards on designed runs or when plays break down. |
| Improvement Areas | Needs further development in deep-ball accuracy and consistency on longer throws. |
Dual-Threat Quarterback
Ridder’s ability to excel as both a passer and a rusher makes him a rare talent. His athleticism allows him to:
- Evade pressure in the pocket.
- Execute designed runs effectively.
- Extend plays to create opportunities for his teammates.
Leadership and Composure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership | |
| Team Captain | Served as a team captain at the University of Cincinnati, demonstrating trust and respect from teammates. |
| Poise in Pressure | Exhibited strong composure in critical moments, especially during his rookie season with the Falcons. |
| Motivational Skills | Known for inspiring teammates with his calm demeanor and positive attitude, even when facing adversity. |
| Work Ethic | Consistently sets an example through his preparation, commitment, and focus during practices and games. |
| Composure on the Field | Demonstrates poise in high-pressure situations, maintaining focus and executing plays under pressure. |
| Decision-Making Under Pressure | Makes calculated decisions, rarely rattled by challenging circumstances. He rarely forces throws, which helps avoid mistakes. |
| Communication Skills | Strong communicator on and off the field, ensuring clarity during pre-snap adjustments and game situations. |
| Rookie Year Leadership | As a rookie, Ridder quickly earned the respect of his teammates for his maturity and ability to step in when called upon. |
| Influence on the Falcons | Though still in the early stages of his NFL career, Ridder’s leadership is seen as a critical factor in his future as the franchise QB. |
Desmond Ridder is widely recognized for his exceptional leadership on the field. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his calm demeanor under pressure, which makes him a trusted player during high-stakes moments. Ridder’s ability to rally his team and maintain focus is invaluable. This quality sets him apart as a natural leader. It ensures he’s dependable when it matters most.
Desmond Ridder Future Prospects
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Future Potential | |
| Starting QB for Falcons | Desmond Ridder is expected to continue competing for the starting QB role, with the Falcons looking to develop him as the long-term leader. |
| Development Focus | Focus on improving deep-ball accuracy, consistency in the passing game, and refining his decision-making under pressure. |
| Strengths to Build On | Strong leadership, mobility, athleticism, and football IQ make him a valuable asset as a dual-threat QB. |
| Offensive System Fit | The Falcons are likely to continue tailoring their offense to Ridder’s strengths, utilizing his mobility and versatility in both the passing and running game. |
| Long-Term Success | With continued development, Ridder has the potential to evolve into a starting QB capable of leading the Falcons back to playoff contention. |
| Competitors | Ridder will likely face competition within the team, as the Falcons may look to bring in veteran quarterbacks or draft a new prospect. |
| NFL Development Curve | Like many young quarterbacks, Ridder’s future success will depend on his ability to learn from mistakes and adjust to NFL-level defenses. |
| Team’s Confidence in Ridder | The Falcons have shown confidence in Ridder, offering him opportunities to start and develop as their franchise quarterback. |
| Potential for Growth | Given his strong rookie campaign and work ethic, Ridder’s future could see significant growth in his game, leading to potential Pro Bowl appearances if he maximizes his potential. |
| Key Challenges | Improving accuracy on long throws, developing more consistency, and handling high-pressure situations in tight games. |
What’s Next for Desmond Ridder?
As the 2024 season unfolds, Ridder aims to cement his status as a franchise quarterback. His goals include:
- Leading his team to the NFL playoffs.
- Improving his passing accuracy and decision-making.
- Becoming a key figure in the NFL’s next generation of elite quarterbacks.
Potential Trade Impact
If Ridder does join the Arizona Cardinals, the move could provide him with a fresh opportunity to shine in a new system. His adaptability and work ethic make him well-suited for success in any environment.
Desmond Ridder Social Media
| Social Media Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| @DesmondRidder | |
| @desmondridder | |
| Desmond Ridder | |
| Desmond Ridder |
Desmond Ridder’s journey from a promising college quarterback to an emerging NFL star is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication. At just 25 years old, he has already made a significant impact on the field and continues to grow as a leader and player. Whether he remains with the Falcons or takes on a new challenge with the Cardinals, Ridder’s future in football looks incredibly bright.
