Bloomington’s John Ridgeway set to start NFL season in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WMBD/WYZZ) — He thought he might get traded before the season and it appears John Ridgeway is happy with where he landed.

Ridgeway, a former Bloomington High School and Illinois State standout lineman, was traded by Washington to New Orleans late last week. Sunday, he’ll open his third season in the NFL with the Saints.

“I have a blue-collar mentality. I’m going to bring my hard hat and lunch pail to work,” Ridgeway said from his new locker room in New Orleans. “That’s what I plan on bringing. A good mind, a good attitude and attack the day. Whatever happens, happens. I can live with it.”

Ridgeway and the Saints open the season at home Sunday against Carolina. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound defensive tackle was drafted by Dallas in 2022 but released by the Cowboys in the second week of the regular season.

Washington claimed him off waivers and he played the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Commanders. Ridgeway, 25, played three seasons at ISU and transferred to Arkansas for his final season of college football.

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