Desmond Ridder is an American football quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as of the 2024 NFL season. The Atlanta Falcons selected him as the 74th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Ridder played high school football at St. Xavier High School, where he was a four-star recruit. Ridder committed to play college football at the University of Cincinnati. In 2017, he redshirted his true freshman season. In 2018, he became the Bearcats' starting quarterback. He threw for 2,445 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushed for 583 yards and five touchdowns. He was named the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie of the Year. Ridder continued to be a productive player for the Bearcats in the following seasons. In 2019, he threw for 2,164 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 650 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was named the MVP of the 2020 Birmingham Bowl for his performance against Boston College. In 2020, he threw for 2,296 yards and 19 touchdowns in nine games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Ridder had his best season yet. He threw for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 335 yards and six touchdowns. Ridder and the Bearcats went into the 2021 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game, where they ranked number four in the AP Polls. He also led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff, where they lost to Alabama in the semifinals.
He served as the Falcons' backup quarterback for the majority of the 2022 season. In Week 15, he was named the Falcons' starting quarterback for the rest of the season. He made his NFL debut in a game against the New Orleans Saints. He started three games and finished the season with 708 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. His second season saw him amass more than 2,836 passing yards and 12 passing touchdowns. He got traded to the Arizona Cardinals on March 14, 2024. After the Cardinals moved him to the practice squad, he was signed off by the Las Vegas Raiders on October 21, 2024.
Desmond Ridder’s parents
Desmond Ridder's mother is Sarah Ridder and his father is unknown. Desmond Ridder grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, with his mother and grandmother, Jan. Despite the absence of his biological father from his youth, he managed to take on a productive role in their household. Ridder said that his grandmother was the first person to teach him how to throw a football.
Ridder's family also includes his stepfather and half-sister, Tia. His mother often posts supportive messages on her Instagram with the username @sportz_momma2 for both Ridder's football career and Tia's softball career. Soon, there could be two professional athletes in the Ridder family.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Desmond Ridder said, "We were able to guide each other. It was open and free. I’m not going to say there wasn’t strictness and parenting, but a lot of things she let me learn on my own. She was always going to be there, but you don’t always have to ask for help. She let me be independent, but guided me when I needed it."
Ridder also said that his mother and grandmother were always there for him, even when he made mistakes. He said that they taught him how to learn from his mistakes and how to be a better person.
Who is Desmond Ridder’s Father?
The name of Desmond Ridder’s father is unknown. Desmond Ridder's father was not present in his life growing up. He was raised by his mother, Sarah Ridder, and his grandmother, Jan.
Who is Desmond Ridder’s Mother?
The name of Desmond Ridder’s mother is Sarah Ridder. Sarah Ridder gave birth to Desmond when she was just 15 years old.
What nationality are Desmond Ridder’s parents?
Desmond Ridder's parents are both American. His mother, Sarah Ridder, is white and his father is African-American. This makes Desmond Ridder of mixed ethnicity.
FAQs
A. Desmond Ridder is a professional American football player who plays quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL).
A. Desmond Ridder's professional career in the NFL began in 2022 when he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft.
A. Desmond Ridder is 25 years old as of October 2024.