Desmond Ridder, born on August 31, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, played college football at the University of Cincinnati, where he distinguished himself as a dynamic quarterback. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After two seasons with the Falcons, Ridder was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in March 2024. Following his release from the Cardinals in August 2024, he was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2024.

During the 2024 NFL season, the Raiders faced significant challenges at the quarterback position. Starting quarterback Gardner Minshew II suffered a season-ending collarbone injury in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos. Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell also dealt with injuries, including a knee issue that rendered him inactive for a Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons. These circumstances provided Ridder with opportunities to step in as the starting quarterback.

In his appearances, Ridder has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. For instance, in the Week 15 game against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, Ridder started in place of the injured O’Connell. Although the Raiders did not secure a victory, Ridder’s performance was a testament to his readiness to lead the team under challenging circumstances.

Throughout the season, Ridder has remained an active and integral part of the Raiders’ roster. There have been no reports from the team’s medical staff or credible news outlets indicating that he has sustained any injury that would end his career. As such, Desmond Ridder continues to be a valuable asset to the Las Vegas Raiders, contributing to their ongoing efforts in the NFL.