Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley endured a challenging season, as he stepped away from the team indefinitely at the end of October due to his mental wellbeing. Once the season ended, speculation and trade rumors began to swirl around Ridley's future in Atlanta, with some beginning to put forth the idea that the Falcons star might desire a change of scenery. Atlanta general manager Terry Fontenot commented on the Ridley situation but perhaps the most notable comments came from Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who spoke out on the situation via the team's website.

“We love the young man,” Blank said. “He has had a great history in Atlanta. We'd love him to stay in Atlanta. Whether or not he wants to do that — he may decide that he wants a fresh start someplace else. We don't know that. I don't know that. I don't have information to indicate that, but we'll see how that plays out.

“We've been totally supportive in every way that we can be, both emotionally and financially in working with him as well as his agent. We'll see, but I'm mostly concerned about him as a human being.”

Falcons owner Arthur Blank offered some heartfelt comments on Calvin Ridley, saying that the franchise loves him and wants him to stay in Atlanta amid trade rumors.

Blank notably said that he hasn't heard anything to indicate that Ridley would want to leave the Falcons, which should quiet down at least some of the trade rumors. The Falcons owner showed what kind of individual he is by saying his biggest concern is Ridley “as a human being.”

It sounds like owner Arthur Blank and the Falcons are committed to doing the best thing for Calvin Ridley. Time will tell what that is.