The Jacksonville Jaguars began their 2023 season with a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, and one particular moment brought unique joy to the crowd in Jacksonville.

Calvin Ridley made his return to the field after missing 686 days of football as a result of his season-long ban for breaching gambling rules, as well as some mental health issues.

It has been a long-time since Ridley was able to showcase his footballing talents, yet he stunned the crowd by catching a touchdown pass in the first quarter.

The moment brought a huge swathe of joy from the stands, with the team having traded for the receiver from the Atlanta Falcons, despite knowing he would be banned in 2022.

Trevor Lawrence has a serious weapon in Ridley

If the touchdown in week one proved anything, it was that Ridley can still catch a football, and that is exactly why the Jags recruited him.

In a difficult spot of not having a high draft pick, the Jags were forced to look to the trade market to provide Lawrence with help.

Jacksonville needed to improve on offense and if Ridley can stay on the field, Lawrence has a regular target to aim for.

It was just the second drive of the day when the Jags were facing a difficult 3rd and 7 situation, yet Lawrence took charge and scrambled away from onrushing pressure, before firing a throw to a wide-open Ridley in the end zone.