John Robert Ridgeway III Bio
John Robert Ridgeway III is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois State Redbirds and Arkansas Razorbacks before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Ridgeway has also played for the Washington Commanders, developing into a reliable interior defender over his first three seasons in the league.
Early Life and Background
Ridgeway grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, and attended Bloomington High School. During his high school career, he played both offensive tackle and defensive tackle on the football field while also competing in track and field, where he participated in shot put and discus events. He was a four-year letter winner on the wrestling team, showcasing his athletic versatility from an early age.
As a senior at Bloomington High School, Ridgeway earned first-team All-Big Twelve Conference honors on offense and first-team All-State honors on defense. His dominant wrestling career culminated in a state heavyweight championship, demonstrating the physical prowess and competitive drive that would later serve him well on the football field.
Path to Professional Football
Ridgeway began his collegiate career at Illinois State University, where he initially redshirted as a true freshman. During his redshirt season, he transitioned from the offensive line to focus on the defensive tackle position, a move that would define his future career trajectory. His development paid immediate dividends, as he earned a spot on the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer team as a redshirt freshman after recording 30 tackles with one sack.
His redshirt junior season, which was played in the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Ridgeway record 22 tackles with three tackles for loss. His strong performance earned him first-team All-MVFC honors. Following the season, he transferred to the University of Arkansas to continue his development with the Razorbacks.
At Arkansas, Ridgeway was named the starting nose guard going into the 2021 season but missed the season opener due to an appendectomy. He recovered to finish the season with 39 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss, helping Arkansas post a 9-4 record and earn a #21 ranking in the AP Poll after winning the 2022 Outback Bowl over Penn State. He declared for the 2022 NFL Draft following the conclusion of that season.
John Robert Ridgeway III Career
Dallas Cowboys (2022)
Ridgeway was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round with the 178th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His tenure with the Cowboys was brief, as he was waived on September 17, 2022, after appearing in the early season games.
Washington Commanders Breakthrough (2022-2024)
Ridgeway was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders on September 19, 2022, beginning a two-plus year stint with the franchise. During his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games with four starts, recording 24 tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. A memorable moment came in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings when he forced a fumble out of tight end Dallas Goedert that was recovered by linebacker Jamin Davis, helping the Commanders defeat the then-undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
In the 2023 season, Ridgeway appeared in all 17 games with two starts, posting a career-best 31 tackles including 16 solo stops along with one pass deflection. He recorded a career-high six tackles in Week 7 against the New York Giants. His 2024 season with the Commanders saw him appear in 13 games with 15 tackles including one tackle for loss and one pass deflection. He also contributed on special teams, blocking a kick against the Atlanta Falcons.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024-Present)
On August 28, 2024, the Commanders traded Ridgeway and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a sixth-round pick. The trade marked a new chapter in Ridgeway’s career as he joined a Saints team seeking to strengthen their defensive interior rotation.
During the 2024 season with the Saints, Ridgeway appeared in 13 games, making 15 tackles with one tackle for loss and one pass deflection. He was declared inactive for four contests but continued to contribute on special teams, particularly on field goal and extra point block units. In March 2026, Ridgeway signed a two-year, $6.2 million extension with the Saints, solidifying his place on the roster and reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ridgeway lines up as an interior defensive tackle, using his 6-foot-5 frame and 321-pound frame to occupy gaps and create disruption in opposing running games. His background as a two-way lineman in high school and his wrestling prowess translate to strong hand techniques and leverage at the point of attack. He demonstrates the ability to collapse pockets from the interior and contributes on special teams units, particularly as a field goal blocker.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ridgeway’s most memorable professional moments was his forced fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 that helped Washington secure a victory over the then-undefeated division rival. His blocked kick against the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 showcased his continued value on special teams despite limited defensive opportunities. The two-year, $6.2 million extension he signed in March 2026 represents his most significant contract achievement to date.
John Robert Ridgeway III Career Statistics
Across his first three-plus NFL seasons, Ridgeway has established himself as a reliable rotational defender with 81 career tackles, one forced fumble, and three pass deflections. His consistency is reflected in his ability to appear in 15 or more games in three of his four professional seasons.
NFL Career Highlights
Ridgeway’s most productive statistical season came in 2023 with the Commanders, when he posted career highs in tackles (31) and solo tackles (16) while appearing in all 17 games. His forced fumble against the Eagles during his rookie season remains one of his most impactful plays, directly contributing to a key victory. In 2024 with the Saints, he continued to serve as a reliable depth piece along the defensive line while contributing on special teams.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Tackles | Forced Fumbles | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Washington Commanders | 15 | 4 | 24 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Washington Commanders | 17 | 2 | 31 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | New Orleans Saints | 13 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 1 |
Family
Specific details about John Ridgeway III’s family background and personal life are not extensively documented in public sources. He maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @ridgeway_79 on X (formerly Twitter).
2025 Season Performance
Following his two-year extension signed in March 2026, Ridgeway entered the 2025 season as a established member of the New Orleans Saints defensive line rotation. His experience from three seasons with the Commanders provided him with valuable familiarity in defensive coordinator schemes and interior line techniques. The Saints coaching staff valued his versatility to play multiple interior positions and his contributions on special teams units.
Ridgeway’s ability to occupy blocks and create lanes for linebackers remained a key component of his game. His 81 career tackles and consistent playing time demonstrated his reliability as an every-down defender when called upon. The 2025 season offered Ridgeway the opportunity to build on his career totals while competing for increased playing time in a Saints defense looking to improve upon previous seasons.