Matt Ryan, the quarterback who spent thirteen memorable seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, has officially retired from the NFL after almost sixteen years since his draft. The Falcons have paid tribute to Ryan’s remarkable career in a video posted on Monday.
Ryan’s journey began as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, hailing from Boston College. Nicknamed “Matty Ice,” he quickly transformed the Falcons into playoff contenders, earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Despite initial struggles in the playoffs, Ryan eventually overcame this hurdle in 2012, leading the Falcons to a thrilling divisional round victory over the Seattle Seahawks. However, their Super Bowl hopes were dashed by the San Francisco 49ers.
In 2016, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Ryan reached new heights. He shattered personal records, completing 69.9% of his passes for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Ryan’s exceptional performance earned him the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards, propelling the Falcons to the Super Bowl.
The infamous Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots remains a defining moment in Ryan’s career. The Falcons held a commanding 28-3 lead but suffered a stunning defeat, one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL history. Ryan led the Falcons back to the playoffs the following year, marking his final postseason appearance.
In 2022, Ryan joined the Indianapolis Colts for his final season before officially retiring on April 22, 2023. Throughout his career, Ryan amassed 62,792 passing yards and 381 passing touchdowns, ranking seventh and ninth all-time in these categories, respectively. He holds the Falcons’ franchise records in most passing categories, solidifying his status as a true legend. Ryan’s retirement undoubtedly earns him a place in the Falcons Ring of Honor.
