Colin Ridley is the father of American football wide receivers, Calvin Ridley and Riley Ridley. While the details of their life and career are extensively available, the facts about Mr. Ridley are quite scarce.
Who is Colin? What is his role in shaping his sons’ careers in the world of athletics? Keep reading until the end to find out.
Calvin Ridley’s Father, Colin Ridley, Is From Guyana
Sr. Ridley was born and raised in Guyana. But at some point in his life, Colin moved to Florida, where he began a family of his own. It was in Florida where he became a father to his children.
The eldest, Calvin, was born on December 20, 1994, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Two years later, on July 21, 1996, Riley followed in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Even though the football stars inherited Sr. Ridley’s name, fate had another plan.
Colin Was Deported
Calvin’s father was an undocumented immigrant residing in the United States for years. It was only a matter of time before that caught up to him. In the early 2000s, when Calvin was seven years old, his pop was deported back to Guyana.
Unfortunately, that was the last Calvin and Riely saw of their dad. The family has never made contact with Mr. Ridley ever since.
Kay Daniels Filled The Void Created By Colin’s Absence
After Colin was deported, there was a void in the Ridley siblings’ life. We all know how important role a father plays in shaping their children’s ambitions and careers. Fortunately for Calvin, his mother, Kay Daniels, stepped up and wore both hats.
Daniels used to run and throw balls with her sons. While talking about the experience of raising her kids as a single parent, Kay said,
Football, basketball, track – those are (usually) men’s things. But I was a single parent. I felt I had to go out there and teach them. I wanted to keep them active.
Furthermore, whatever Calvin is now is because of his own dedication and hard work, but one thing that is important to note is his mother’s involvement in shaping his life and career.
The Mother of Colin’s Children Is An Athlete
While we do not know if Colin had an athletic gene, the mother of his kids definitely did. Daniels went to Fort Lauderdale High, where she was a star track runner. She used to run 100 and 200 and did long jumps, among other things.
However, she could never professionally play these sports. In an interview, Kay mentioned how she was supposed to be in the Olympics as she could run fast. “That’s where the boys get their speed,” she added.
Furthermore, as Keys never went to college, she could never really give life to her talents.
Calvin Refers To His Mother As His Father
As of now, the extensive role played by the football star’s mother to fill in the gap Colin’s absence left is evident. There are no words to describe the hardships Kay went through for her children. But the athlete has recognized it and worked hard to make her proud.
On Father’s Day 2015, Calvin made a post about his mom.
Happy Father’s Day to my mama!!!!!
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) June 21, 2015