Desmond Ridder currently serves as the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL began with his college football career at Cincinnati, where he earned the prestigious title of AAC Offensive Player of the Year twice. His outstanding collegiate performance ultimately led to his selection by the Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Recently, Desmond Ridder’s resurgence and Bijan Robinson’s formidable running prowess have catapulted the Falcons to an impressive 2-0 start in the season. Their contributions on the field have played a pivotal role in the team’s early success. Furthermore, his family, notably his grandmother, has been a significant source of support and influence in his journey towards success and accomplishments. In this article, we will delve deeper into their roles and shed light on Desmond Ridder’s personal life.
Meet Desmond Ridder’s Parents: Who Are They?
Quarterback Desmond Ridder shared with Sports Illustrated in 2020 that he was raised in a single-parent household. His mother, Sarah Ridder, became a mother at the age of 15, and Desmond’s biological father was not present in his life. Sarah described their relationship as akin to best friends, as they essentially grew up together. Desmond further explained that they provided guidance to each other, maintaining an open and free environment. While there was some strict parenting, Sarah allowed him to learn many things independently while assuring him of her continuous support.
During Desmond’s childhood, he, along with his mother, resided with his maternal grandmother, Jan. Their household also included Desmond’s aunt, uncle, and an adopted cousin, whom he affectionately refers to as an aunt. Interestingly, it was his grandmother who taught Desmond how to throw a football. In addition to these close family members, Desmond seems to have a stepfather and a half-sister named Tia. Sarah’s Instagram page is filled with supportive posts not only for Desmond’s football career but also for his little sister’s budding softball career. It appears that there might be two professional athletes emerging in the family.
Desmond Ridder’s Ethnicity: A Blend Of African-American And White Heritage
Desmond Ridder is set to make a significant leap this year as he assumes the role of the unequivocal starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. While he took over the position from Marcus Mariota towards the end of the previous season, this time, he’s the designated successor. This milestone is undoubtedly a source of pride for him and his family, particularly his mother.
Desmond Ridder’s ethnicity is of mixed heritage; his father was African-American, and his mother is of white descent. His mother, Sarah and Desmond did not have his biological father present during his upbringing.Desmond credited his maternal grandmother with sparking his passion for football. He also expressed gratitude to his mother for her dedicated upbringing as a single parent.
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Who Is Desmond Ridder’s Wife, Claire Cornett? Do They Have Children?
Desmond Ridder and Claire Cornett both hail from Kentucky. Desmond excelled at St. Xavier High School, while Claire attended Assumption High School. Their paths converged at the University of Cincinnati, where Desmond pursued sports administration, and Claire focused on political science. Their romantic journey began in 2016, and two years later, Desmond proposed to Claire. In 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Leighton Elizabeth.
The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on July 15, 2022, with close friends and family in attendance. Although Desmond and Claire usually keep their personal lives private, Claire occasionally shares updates about their activities on her Instagram account. Notably, three months before their wedding, Desmond Ridder was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the second quarterback chosen that year, following Kenny Pickett, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round. Keep reading for more.
Desmond Ridder’s Resurgence And Bijan Robinson’s Running Power Propel The Falcons To 2-0 Start
At some point, head coach Arthur Smith’s audacious play-calling will result in a setback. Inevitably, rookie sensation Bijan Robinson will face a formidable defense that he can’t breeze past effortlessly. And quarterback Desmond Ridder’s unpredictable style may not always be sufficient to stage a comeback for the Atlanta Falcons.
However, Sunday’s game, on September 17, 2023, was not that day. Despite a shaky start, Atlanta managed to find its rhythm and overcame the Packers with a 25-24 victory. While a crucial 58th-minute field goal secured the win, the true game-changers were Smith’s fearless strategic decisions, Robinson’s agility, and Ridder’s development as a passer.
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Ridder, undefeated as a home starter in both college and the pros, faced skepticism from Atlanta fans due to last week’s lukewarm performance. Early in the game, he threw an interception and had two near-pick-6 passes, triggering discontent among the crowd. However, in the fourth quarter, Ridder led a crucial touchdown drive, erasing a 12-point deficit.
His resilience and team-first mentality won over the fans, and Green Bay failed to score again. Ridder ended with 237 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception, along with 39 rushing yards and a touchdown. While his passes still had some inconsistencies, Ridder’s comeback performance left a positive impression on Atlanta fans.