Twelve players from Alabama's CFP national-championship team last season could make their NFL debuts during the opening week of the league's 99th season. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley should be the first to see the field.
As Atlanta's first-round draft choice in April, he'll be with the Falcons as they square off against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL's kickoff game on Thursday night.
While Ridley said he's excited about his first NFL regular-season game, he also feels "prepared" and "ready."
"I'm really not too emotional," Ridley said. "Just trying to stay focused, and every chance I get in the game learn what I have to do so I can be on top of everything.