The Rich Thighsen Report Presents:
Liberty Rings: A Feature on William Ridley
We open on Taco Bell Stadium, staffers preparing Season 4 Kick Off commemorative Tees in the bowels of the stadium. A Liberty staffer dutifully folds a T-Shirt which unfurled, she places the shirt on the stack she is maintaining and moves onto the next one.
Rich Thighsen Narration: Duty, Promise, Hope. As the Philadelphia Liberty staff and players prepare to start their third season in the league, we need to take a step back.
Fade up on The Aviary moments after the Hawks confirmed their Glacies Trophy victory. Scrub Kyubee and Avon Blocksdale embrace as the Hawks handlers shove NSFC Champion caps on their heads. Clifford Rove kneels where he was shoved down on the last play of the game, looking to the sky for answers; Tyler Oles collects his helmet and makes his way towards the visiting team locker room.
RTN: Heartbreak and disappointment, after a much improved season the Liberty put a poor showing forward in their maiden playoff appearance, souring much of the sweet taste of the regular season run which saw the Liberty win eight of their final 10 games of the season.
William Ridley sits on the sideline as fireworks start to explode in the sky above him.
RTN: William Ridley made an impact during his rookie season, a member of a much derided Liberty defence, Ridley played as part of the unit which saw the second most takeaways in Season 3. Ridley, a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year, led all linebackers in sacks, in addition to bringing down2 interceptions, and making 10 tackles for loss.
As we rapidly approach another NSFL Rookie Draft I thought it would be a great time to talk to one of the best rookies of Season 3.
Ridley walks into an interview room, his helmet sitting on the table in front of Rich Thighsen.
Rich Thighsen: William Ridley, thank you for joining me.
Ridley leans forward shaking Thighsen’s hand in a friendly manner, Ridley seems a little nervous if not a bit upbeat.
William Ridley: Thank you Rich. It’s real nice to be here.
RT:How would you assess your performance last season?
WR: That is a hard question to answer Rich, I think we made some real strides as a team. Making the playoffs was huge for us, and the energy in the locker room was incredible, I would give anything to be able to share that experience with my teammates again.
RT: What about individually? How would you rate your rookie season?
Highlights of Ridley play in a montage, his interceptions, his sacks, and important third down stops.
WR: I don’t really look at my own performances as an individual, but I know a few of my peers have put my name down for a Pro Bowl spot, that is very humbling, and as nice as media recognition is nice, being recognised by your peers just provides you with some validation that you’re heading in the right direction, and you are helping your team find success.
Ridley sacks Mike Boss three times to end the montage; we fade to Ridley dropping back to coverage at a Best Buddies event in downtown Philadelphia.
RTN: Ridley has dedicated his time this offseason to working with the Best Buddies program, helping build confidence and life skills with kids who suffer from disabilities
RT: What is it about charity which appeals to you?
WR: I think if you have the opportunity to play a sport professionally you are tremendously blessed. Regardless of which background you come from, professional football gives you an opportunity to succeed, and I am no different. My parents sacrificed so much to give me the opportunity to play football, not to mention the countless Fridays, Saturdays, and now Sundays they’ve given up to come watch me play, and support me. I always keep the fact I’ve been truly blessed to be in this position in the forefront of my mind. Being able to give back to the community, and help these kids feel more confident about who they are, and most of all have some fun.
We return to the interview space.
RT: Do you feel like it is a responsibility for a football player to be a role model?
WR: For me that’s a slippery slope, I think it comes down to each individual. Do I think all football players are role models? To an extent yes, but I also believe it’s unreasonable for people to behave themselves 24/7. I look at the talk in the media, and there is a lot of chest beating, it is a results driven business, and I understand when players want to hype up themselves, and I know the media is there to generate interest, but I wouldn’t want my kids in the future to aspire to be that way.
Ridley is seen throwing to kids running routes.
RT: Is there anyone in particular you’re talking about?
WR: I’m not going to fall into that trap Rich, but I will say that if you’re releasing lists of preferred destinations in free agency or the draft, then you’re taking your position in the league for granted. I said before the draft that it didn’t matter who took me, that I would give my all for the organisation, and teammates, and so far it feels like I have put my best foot forward for the Liberty and I hope in the future we can continue building towards something.
RT: Have you put any thought into free agency, are you going to test the market?
We return to a close up of Ridley, focused on his response.
WR: We’re still two seasons away from my first opportunity to test my value on the open market, but in all honestly nothing could be further from my mind. I am very happy with the Liberty, and if the Liberty still want me after next season I’ll be happy to sign on the dotted line for 3 more years.
RT: How do you feel about the potential for offensive linemen to take up other positions, do you feel threatened?
WR: I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of our senior players to make an impact, I know we have a couple of players who could make a big impact this season and hopefully push us over the hurdles and make our way into the Ultimus. So in short, I don’t feel threatened.
RT: Have you considered the fact you are the 4th rated linebacker in a 4-3 system, if one of these offensive linemen makes the obvious move to defensive end, does that give you concerns about your job security?
A series of shots show Washington, Hackett, and Tucker in action.
WR: I’m not concerned about my job security, I believe the Liberty have the team’s best interests at heart, and I feel that if they dropped me down the depth chart they would find a way to utilise me situationally, or even as part of a trade to improve the team further. I believe I am a starting calibre linebacker, however, I’m not willing to burn bridges with any team, I understand the business side of the league.
RT: Talking a trade, would you be willing to change position?
WR: I would happily play out of position for my Liberty coaches, however, an official position switch is a little strong to suggest. I have been a linebacker my entire life, and I believe that is my best position and I hope to play linebacker in the league for years to come.
Cut to Ridley working out in a Memphis gym, he is running weighted sprints, working with battle ropes, and anything else that plays well for a TV audience.
RTN: Back in his native Memphis, Ridley is preparing for the season with a workout regime designed to add strength and power to his frame.
WR: I found myself getting dragged a bit last season, I’ve got my speed to a point where I think I have hit my peak, but I need to focus on putting down players when I reach them. I made a vow to help a team shut down the run before the draft, and I’m hoping this offseason sees the genesis of achieving these goals. I think we have the chance to take some more steps forward this offseason, our players have bought in, and we’re looking to improve. Obviously the Outlaws are the gold standard, but I believe we’re working towards an achievable goal of reaching the championship game.
RT: How many hours do you put in towards that goal?
WR: I think it’s more than a full time job, I believe you’re always on the clock. Your behaviour on Wednesday determines what happens on Sunday, and I think when you look at the best players in this league, you’ll find a lot of hard working players.
RT: Do you think that has an impact on other aspects of your life?
WR: It would be a lie to say otherwise. If you looked at any other career it would have the same impact, I don’t think I’m special because I play football, I’m just doing my job.
RT: How does Krista feel about that?
WR: Krista has been great throughout this season, really, she’s been my rock. If I’ve ever had any weak moments she’s been there for me, and I would hope she’s never suffered in silence on account of me either. With that said I know it’s been difficult for her, and I’m very happy that when I head back to Philly for the season Krista will be moving with me, which in itself is a big step for any couple, but Krista agreeing to move north for me is an incredible sacrifice she’s willing to make for me. I believe I can only get better with the support of my loved ones and family.
RT: It seems the Liberty locker room is like a real family, would you agree with that assessment?
We see shots of Ridley spending time with his teammates, joking around with Eli Kamaka in their team photo, Rove, Ridley, and Millan posing for their rookie class photos, talking and stretching with AC Hackett at practice, and getting some support from Micah Hendrix after the brutal loss to Orange County in week 1 last season.
WR: I think that is a fair assessment. I believe that if you looked into the locker room of most of the teams you’d find a group of people banding together for a common goal. A lot of people like to shit on the Legion, but I’m sure their locker room is working hard to achieve the same goal we all have, to have an Ultimus ring on their finger by the time the next season kicks off.
RT: How did you feel after the refs blew the NSFC title game dead?
Ridley hesitates pondering his response.
WR: It’s hard to express it, that was a rough game for all of us. Admittedly the team didn’t play well, I didn’t play well, I got dragged 7 yards by Farlane on a second and 6 when I met him behind the line, you can’t do that in the pros, let alone the playoffs.
RT:What would winning an Ultimus mean for you?
Ridley answers immediately, no hesitation.
WR: Everything. You can’t put a value on that kind of achievement, so far only a very select group of players have had the privilege of holding the Ultimus trophy aloft as champions, and I want my teammates and I to join that exclusive club.
RTN: As the Liberty prepare for another run at the Ultimus, William Ridley is focused on achieving his ultimate aim. Where this journey will lead him is still a mystery, and although there are many unanswered questions about where this Liberty team will go, the brotherhood in the City of Brotherly Love is sure to galvanize into more positive results for the Liberty, their fans, and Ridley. Thank you for watching, until next time, I am, and still will be Rich Thighsen.
Liberty Rings: A Feature on William Ridley
We open on Taco Bell Stadium, staffers preparing Season 4 Kick Off commemorative Tees in the bowels of the stadium. A Liberty staffer dutifully folds a T-Shirt which unfurled, she places the shirt on the stack she is maintaining and moves onto the next one.
Rich Thighsen Narration: Duty, Promise, Hope. As the Philadelphia Liberty staff and players prepare to start their third season in the league, we need to take a step back.
Fade up on The Aviary moments after the Hawks confirmed their Glacies Trophy victory. Scrub Kyubee and Avon Blocksdale embrace as the Hawks handlers shove NSFC Champion caps on their heads. Clifford Rove kneels where he was shoved down on the last play of the game, looking to the sky for answers; Tyler Oles collects his helmet and makes his way towards the visiting team locker room.
RTN: Heartbreak and disappointment, after a much improved season the Liberty put a poor showing forward in their maiden playoff appearance, souring much of the sweet taste of the regular season run which saw the Liberty win eight of their final 10 games of the season.
William Ridley sits on the sideline as fireworks start to explode in the sky above him.
RTN: William Ridley made an impact during his rookie season, a member of a much derided Liberty defence, Ridley played as part of the unit which saw the second most takeaways in Season 3. Ridley, a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year, led all linebackers in sacks, in addition to bringing down2 interceptions, and making 10 tackles for loss.
As we rapidly approach another NSFL Rookie Draft I thought it would be a great time to talk to one of the best rookies of Season 3.
Ridley walks into an interview room, his helmet sitting on the table in front of Rich Thighsen.
Rich Thighsen: William Ridley, thank you for joining me.
Ridley leans forward shaking Thighsen’s hand in a friendly manner, Ridley seems a little nervous if not a bit upbeat.
William Ridley: Thank you Rich. It’s real nice to be here.
RT:How would you assess your performance last season?
WR: That is a hard question to answer Rich, I think we made some real strides as a team. Making the playoffs was huge for us, and the energy in the locker room was incredible, I would give anything to be able to share that experience with my teammates again.
RT: What about individually? How would you rate your rookie season?
Highlights of Ridley play in a montage, his interceptions, his sacks, and important third down stops.
WR: I don’t really look at my own performances as an individual, but I know a few of my peers have put my name down for a Pro Bowl spot, that is very humbling, and as nice as media recognition is nice, being recognised by your peers just provides you with some validation that you’re heading in the right direction, and you are helping your team find success.
Ridley sacks Mike Boss three times to end the montage; we fade to Ridley dropping back to coverage at a Best Buddies event in downtown Philadelphia.
RTN: Ridley has dedicated his time this offseason to working with the Best Buddies program, helping build confidence and life skills with kids who suffer from disabilities
RT: What is it about charity which appeals to you?
WR: I think if you have the opportunity to play a sport professionally you are tremendously blessed. Regardless of which background you come from, professional football gives you an opportunity to succeed, and I am no different. My parents sacrificed so much to give me the opportunity to play football, not to mention the countless Fridays, Saturdays, and now Sundays they’ve given up to come watch me play, and support me. I always keep the fact I’ve been truly blessed to be in this position in the forefront of my mind. Being able to give back to the community, and help these kids feel more confident about who they are, and most of all have some fun.
We return to the interview space.
RT: Do you feel like it is a responsibility for a football player to be a role model?
WR: For me that’s a slippery slope, I think it comes down to each individual. Do I think all football players are role models? To an extent yes, but I also believe it’s unreasonable for people to behave themselves 24/7. I look at the talk in the media, and there is a lot of chest beating, it is a results driven business, and I understand when players want to hype up themselves, and I know the media is there to generate interest, but I wouldn’t want my kids in the future to aspire to be that way.
Ridley is seen throwing to kids running routes.
RT: Is there anyone in particular you’re talking about?
WR: I’m not going to fall into that trap Rich, but I will say that if you’re releasing lists of preferred destinations in free agency or the draft, then you’re taking your position in the league for granted. I said before the draft that it didn’t matter who took me, that I would give my all for the organisation, and teammates, and so far it feels like I have put my best foot forward for the Liberty and I hope in the future we can continue building towards something.
RT: Have you put any thought into free agency, are you going to test the market?
We return to a close up of Ridley, focused on his response.
WR: We’re still two seasons away from my first opportunity to test my value on the open market, but in all honestly nothing could be further from my mind. I am very happy with the Liberty, and if the Liberty still want me after next season I’ll be happy to sign on the dotted line for 3 more years.
RT: How do you feel about the potential for offensive linemen to take up other positions, do you feel threatened?
WR: I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of our senior players to make an impact, I know we have a couple of players who could make a big impact this season and hopefully push us over the hurdles and make our way into the Ultimus. So in short, I don’t feel threatened.
RT: Have you considered the fact you are the 4th rated linebacker in a 4-3 system, if one of these offensive linemen makes the obvious move to defensive end, does that give you concerns about your job security?
A series of shots show Washington, Hackett, and Tucker in action.
WR: I’m not concerned about my job security, I believe the Liberty have the team’s best interests at heart, and I feel that if they dropped me down the depth chart they would find a way to utilise me situationally, or even as part of a trade to improve the team further. I believe I am a starting calibre linebacker, however, I’m not willing to burn bridges with any team, I understand the business side of the league.
RT: Talking a trade, would you be willing to change position?
WR: I would happily play out of position for my Liberty coaches, however, an official position switch is a little strong to suggest. I have been a linebacker my entire life, and I believe that is my best position and I hope to play linebacker in the league for years to come.
Cut to Ridley working out in a Memphis gym, he is running weighted sprints, working with battle ropes, and anything else that plays well for a TV audience.
RTN: Back in his native Memphis, Ridley is preparing for the season with a workout regime designed to add strength and power to his frame.
WR: I found myself getting dragged a bit last season, I’ve got my speed to a point where I think I have hit my peak, but I need to focus on putting down players when I reach them. I made a vow to help a team shut down the run before the draft, and I’m hoping this offseason sees the genesis of achieving these goals. I think we have the chance to take some more steps forward this offseason, our players have bought in, and we’re looking to improve. Obviously the Outlaws are the gold standard, but I believe we’re working towards an achievable goal of reaching the championship game.
RT: How many hours do you put in towards that goal?
WR: I think it’s more than a full time job, I believe you’re always on the clock. Your behaviour on Wednesday determines what happens on Sunday, and I think when you look at the best players in this league, you’ll find a lot of hard working players.
RT: Do you think that has an impact on other aspects of your life?
WR: It would be a lie to say otherwise. If you looked at any other career it would have the same impact, I don’t think I’m special because I play football, I’m just doing my job.
RT: How does Krista feel about that?
WR: Krista has been great throughout this season, really, she’s been my rock. If I’ve ever had any weak moments she’s been there for me, and I would hope she’s never suffered in silence on account of me either. With that said I know it’s been difficult for her, and I’m very happy that when I head back to Philly for the season Krista will be moving with me, which in itself is a big step for any couple, but Krista agreeing to move north for me is an incredible sacrifice she’s willing to make for me. I believe I can only get better with the support of my loved ones and family.
RT: It seems the Liberty locker room is like a real family, would you agree with that assessment?
We see shots of Ridley spending time with his teammates, joking around with Eli Kamaka in their team photo, Rove, Ridley, and Millan posing for their rookie class photos, talking and stretching with AC Hackett at practice, and getting some support from Micah Hendrix after the brutal loss to Orange County in week 1 last season.
WR: I think that is a fair assessment. I believe that if you looked into the locker room of most of the teams you’d find a group of people banding together for a common goal. A lot of people like to shit on the Legion, but I’m sure their locker room is working hard to achieve the same goal we all have, to have an Ultimus ring on their finger by the time the next season kicks off.
RT: How did you feel after the refs blew the NSFC title game dead?
Ridley hesitates pondering his response.
WR: It’s hard to express it, that was a rough game for all of us. Admittedly the team didn’t play well, I didn’t play well, I got dragged 7 yards by Farlane on a second and 6 when I met him behind the line, you can’t do that in the pros, let alone the playoffs.
RT:What would winning an Ultimus mean for you?
Ridley answers immediately, no hesitation.
WR: Everything. You can’t put a value on that kind of achievement, so far only a very select group of players have had the privilege of holding the Ultimus trophy aloft as champions, and I want my teammates and I to join that exclusive club.
RTN: As the Liberty prepare for another run at the Ultimus, William Ridley is focused on achieving his ultimate aim. Where this journey will lead him is still a mystery, and although there are many unanswered questions about where this Liberty team will go, the brotherhood in the City of Brotherly Love is sure to galvanize into more positive results for the Liberty, their fans, and Ridley. Thank you for watching, until next time, I am, and still will be Rich Thighsen.
Code:
2028 Words![[Image: HITSVoP.png]](https://i.imgur.com/HITSVoP.png)
![[Image: Vk3YMU7.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/Vk3YMU7.jpg)
[/div]
