Brief Introduction of Desmond Ridder
Desmond Ridder is an accomplished American professional football quarterback currently associated with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) as of the 2025 season. Born on August 31, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ridder gained significant recognition for his stellar collegiate career at the University of Cincinnati, where he twice earned the prestigious American Athletic Conference (AAC) Offensive Player of the Year award. His impressive performance led the Cincinnati Bearcats to an unprecedented appearance in the College Football Playoff, marking a historic achievement for a Group of Five team. Following his standout college tenure, Ridder was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His professional journey has seen him navigate various teams, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the highly competitive landscape of the NFL.
Desmond Ridder Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Desmond Kelly Ridder |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1999 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American father, White mother) |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (97 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Quarterback |
| Current Team (as of 2025) | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Spouse | Claire Cornett (m. July 15, 2022) |
| Children | Leighton Elizabeth (daughter, b. April 2021), Khylan Jett (son, b. February 20, 2024) |
| Education | St. Xavier High School, University of Cincinnati |
| Net Worth (est. as of Oct 2023) | Approximately $2 million |
| Career Earnings (through 2025) | $4,158,381 |
Early Life and Education of Desmond Ridder
Desmond Kelly Ridder was born on August 31, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky. His upbringing was marked by unique circumstances, as his mother, Sarah Ridder, was only 15 years old when he was born. Raised by his mother and grandmother, Jan, Ridder’s biological father was not present during his formative years. Despite this, he credits his mother and grandmother for guiding him and for fostering an environment of independence and support. It was his grandmother, Jan, who first introduced him to football, teaching him how to throw in their backyard in Kentucky. Ridder’s family is of mixed ethnicity, with his mother being white and his father being African-American. He also has a stepfather and a half-sister named Tia, who is an accomplished softball player.
Ridder attended Holy Family Parochial before enrolling at St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky. His athletic journey in high school was characterized by a significant physical transformation; he was reportedly 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 135 pounds as a freshman, undergoing a growth spurt before his sophomore year that provided him with the necessary frame for a quarterback. During his senior year at St. Xavier, Ridder showcased his dual-threat capabilities, passing for 1,319 yards and nine touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 668 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him All-Metro honors. Although he was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, he ultimately committed to play college football at the University of Cincinnati, turning down an offer from Eastern Kentucky. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2017.
Desmond Ridder’s Career
Desmond Ridder’s football career is distinguished by a highly successful college tenure and a professional journey marked by significant transitions and moments of promise.
College Career at Cincinnati Bearcats
Ridder’s impact at the University of Cincinnati was immediate and profound. He became the starting quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2018, where he passed for 2,445 yards and 20 touchdowns, alongside 583 rushing yards and five touchdowns, earning him the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie of the Year award. In his redshirt sophomore season in 2019, he continued to develop, completing 179 of 325 passes for 2,164 yards and 18 touchdowns, and rushing for 650 yards and five touchdowns. He was named the MVP of the 2020 Birmingham Bowl, where he completed 14 of 24 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns in a decisive 38-6 victory over Boston College.
The 2020 season saw Ridder further cement his status as a top collegiate quarterback. Despite a COVID-19-shortened season, playing only nine games, he passed for 2,296 yards and 19 touchdowns, with six interceptions, while also adding 592 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him his first AAC Offensive Player of the Year award. After considering declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft, Ridder opted to return for his redshirt senior season. This decision proved pivotal, as he led the Bearcats to their most successful season in program history in 2021. Cincinnati achieved a 13-1 record, secured back-to-back AAC championships, and became the first Group of Five team to reach the College Football Playoff. In this historic season, Ridder passed for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns, complemented by 365 rushing yards and six touchdowns, earning him his second consecutive AAC Offensive Player of the Year honor. He also finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Ridder left Cincinnati with an impressive 44-6 record as a starter, including an undefeated 26-0 record at home at Nippert Stadium. He also set school records with 87 career passing touchdowns, 12,418 total yards (an AAC record), and 113 total touchdowns (also an AAC record).
Professional Career in the NFL
Desmond Ridder was widely regarded as a promising prospect, and despite some projections placing him higher, he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round, 74th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Many analysts considered his fall in the draft a surprise.
Atlanta Falcons (2022-2023)
During his rookie season in 2022, Ridder began as the backup quarterback to veteran Marcus Mariota. He took over as the starting quarterback in Week 15, making his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints. In his four starts that season, Ridder completed 73 of 115 passes for 708 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions, along with 64 rushing yards.
In the 2023 season, Ridder was named the starting quarterback for the Falcons. However, his performance was inconsistent, leading to him being benched on multiple occasions in favor of Taylor Heinicke. He concluded the 2023 season with 2,836 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, alongside 193 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns over 15 games.
Arizona Cardinals (2024 Offseason)
On March 14, 2024, the Atlanta Falcons traded Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore, following the Falcons’ acquisition of Kirk Cousins. This move positioned Ridder to compete for the backup quarterback role behind Kyler Murray. However, his tenure with the Cardinals was short-lived. On August 27, 2024, Ridder was released by the Cardinals after losing the backup competition to Clayton Tune during the preseason.
Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
Ridder quickly found a new home, as the Las Vegas Raiders signed him off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on October 21, 2024. He saw action in Week 12 for the Raiders after an injury to quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Cincinnati Bengals (2025-Present)
As of the 2025 NFL season, Desmond Ridder is listed as a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed a one-year contract with the Bengals worth $1,100,000 for the 2025 season. This move represents another fresh start for Ridder, offering him an opportunity to contribute to an established NFL franchise.
Desmond Ridder Personal Life & Family
Desmond Ridder’s personal life is rooted in strong family values. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Claire Cornett, whom he wed on July 15, 2022. The couple’s relationship dates back to their high school years in Louisville, Kentucky, and they both attended the University of Cincinnati. Claire Cornett holds a degree in political science and works in sales.
Before their marriage, Desmond and Claire welcomed their first child, a daughter named Leighton Elizabeth, in April 2021. In February 2024, their family grew with the arrival of their second child, a son named Khylan Jett. Ridder is known for being a dedicated family man, often prioritizing his wife and children. He even made the decision to play an additional season of college football, in part to avoid the combined stresses of transitioning to the NFL and becoming a new father at the same time. Claire actively shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their close-knit bond and their presence at Desmond’s games.
Awards and Achievements of Desmond Ridder
Desmond Ridder’s career, particularly his collegiate journey, is marked by numerous significant awards and achievements:
AAC Rookie of the Year: Awarded in 2018 for his impressive debut season as Cincinnati’s starting quarterback.
AAC Offensive Player of the Year: A two-time recipient in both 2020 and 2021, recognizing his consistent excellence and leadership in the conference.
First-team All-AAC: Named to the conference’s first-team offense in both 2020 and 2021.
2020 AAC Championship Game Most Outstanding Player: Recognized for his dominant performance in Cincinnati’s conference championship victory.
2020 Manning Award Finalist: Honored as one of the top collegiate quarterbacks in the nation.
2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist: Acknowledged as a leading senior quarterback.
Semifinalist for Maxwell, Walter Camp Player of the Year, and Davey O’Brien Awards (2021): These nominations highlighted his status as one of college football’s premier players and quarterbacks.
CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team (2021): Demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic prowess.
Cincinnati Bearcats School Records: Holds records for 87 career passing touchdowns, 12,418 total yards, and 113 total touchdowns.
Undefeated Home Record: Led Cincinnati to a perfect 26-0 record at Nippert Stadium during his collegiate career.
College Football Playoff Appearance: Quarterbacked the first Group of Five team to reach the College Football Playoff in 2021.
Desmond Ridder Net Worth and Income
As of October 2023, Desmond Ridder’s estimated net worth was approximately $2 million. His income primarily stems from his NFL contracts, performance incentives, and various endorsement deals.
Upon entering the NFL, Ridder signed a four-year rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons, valued at $5,362,959. This contract included a signing bonus of $1,080,336 and guaranteed money totaling $1,080,336, with an average annual salary of $1,340,740. His career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be $4,158,381. For the 2025 season, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Ridder signed a one-year contract valued at $1,100,000.
Beyond his on-field salary, Desmond Ridder has secured several notable endorsement deals with major brands. These include BYLT Clothing, BOSE, Candy Digital, Dr Pepper, Fedex, Vrst, Cross Jeep, and Cryospring Cold Plunges. These partnerships further contribute to his overall income and public profile. Ridder has also established a philanthropic initiative, the Ridder Charity, which has received support through donations, such as $10,000 from RX3 Growth Partners for Down Syndrome of Louisville.
Legacy and Influence
Desmond Ridder’s legacy is largely defined by his transformative impact on the University of Cincinnati’s football program. He is celebrated for leading the Bearcats to unprecedented success, including an undefeated regular season and their historic 2021 College Football Playoff appearance, the first ever for a Group of Five team. His leadership and winning mentality made him a revered figure in collegiate athletics, often described by NFL evaluators as a “winner”. This period established him as one of the winningest quarterbacks in college football history.
In the NFL, Ridder’s journey, while challenging, continues to reflect resilience. His experiences with the Falcons, Cardinals, Raiders, and now the Bengals, highlight the demanding nature of professional football and his persistent effort to establish himself. Beyond the field, Ridder contributes to his community through the Ridder Charity, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility. His public image is that of a dedicated athlete and a devoted family man, frequently seen with his wife and children, who are a central part of his support system. His career serves as an inspiration, particularly to young athletes from non-traditional football powerhouses, showing that talent and determination can lead to the highest levels of the sport.
Interesting Facts about Desmond Ridder
Early Football Mentor: Desmond Ridder’s grandmother, Jan, was the first person to teach him how to throw a football, instilling an early love for the game.
High School Growth Spurt: As a freshman in high school, Ridder was significantly smaller, standing at 5’10” and weighing 135 pounds, before undergoing a notable growth spurt that helped him develop into a quarterback physique.
NFL Draft “Fall”: Despite being projected by some analysts as a potential first-round pick, Ridder was considered a “surprise fall” in the 2022 NFL Draft when he was selected in the third round.
Combine Speed: At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ridder showcased exceptional athleticism for a quarterback, posting one of the fastest 40-yard dash times ever recorded for the position at 4.52 seconds. He also led all quarterbacks in the vertical jump (36 inches) and broad jump (10-7) at the combine.
College Records: He holds numerous University of Cincinnati school records, including career passing touchdowns (87), total yards (12,418), and total touchdowns (113). His 44 wins as a starting quarterback rank among the most in college football history, and he maintained an undefeated 26-0 record at home.
Family-Driven Decision: Ridder explicitly stated that the birth of his daughter, Leighton, in April 2021, influenced his decision to return for his senior year at Cincinnati instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. He wanted to avoid the stress and inconsistency of a potential NFL transition at the same time he was embracing new parenthood.
Controversies
Desmond Ridder’s professional career has involved significant team changes and shifting roles within NFL franchises, such as being benched by the Atlanta Falcons and subsequently traded to the Arizona Cardinals before being released and signed by other teams. While these events are often subject to public discussion and scrutiny inherent in professional sports, there have been no notable public controversies or off-field scandals associated with Desmond Ridder himself. His journey has primarily been focused on his performance and adaptation within the demanding environment of the NFL.
Social Media Presence
Desmond Ridder maintains a visible presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing aspects of his professional and personal life.
Instagram: He can be found on Instagram under the handle `desmondridder`. His wife, Claire Cornett, also frequently shares updates and images of their family life on her Instagram, often featuring Desmond and their children. This platform serves as a primary channel for fans to follow his career highlights and family moments.
Twitter (now X): While specific follower counts were not immediately available in the search results, like many professional athletes, Ridder is expected to have an active presence on Twitter (now X) for career announcements and interactions.
YouTube: Although he does not appear to maintain a personal YouTube channel, numerous videos featuring his college highlights, NFL plays, interviews, and analyses of his performance are readily available on the platform from various sports media outlets.
Final Words about Desmond Ridder
As of the 2025 NFL season, Desmond Ridder is embarking on a new chapter as a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. His journey through the professional football landscape has been a testament to his perseverance, from being a highly successful collegiate signal-caller at the University of Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to historic heights, to navigating the complexities of the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Ridder’s legacy is firmly established by his remarkable achievements in college, where he became one of the winningest quarterbacks in FBS history and shattered several school records. His impact on Cincinnati football, culminating in a College Football Playoff berth, remains a significant part of his story. In the NFL, he continues to work towards solidifying his position and showcasing his capabilities. With a strong support system from his family, including his wife Claire and their two children, Ridder maintains a focus on both his athletic pursuits and his personal values. His future plans involve continuing to develop his skills and contribute to the success of the Cincinnati Bengals, aiming to carve out a long and impactful career in the National Football League.
