When a free-agent veteran player takes a new job as a studio analyst after a long and successful playing career, that typically indicates that the player is finished with their NFL career. But apparently, that is not the case for Matt Ryan.
On Monday morning, CBS announced that Matt Ryan would be joining its broadcast team as an analyst where the network plans to use him both in the studio and during games.
“It is truly an honor to join this exceptional team at CBS Sports,” Ryan said in a statement. “I have been blessed to have incredible teammates throughout my career and I am fortunate that will continue here working with and learning from the very best in the industry.”
While this would normally seem to indicate Ryan’s retirement from the NFL, the veteran quarterback was quick to deny that his NFL career was finished.
“Excited to join the @NFLonCBS family! Looking forward to breaking down the game this season,” Ryan said in a tweet.
“P.S. – this is not a retirement post,” Ryan continued, adding a winking emoji to the end of the tweet.
It’s a pretty surprising announcement from Ryan, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it with many people largely unconvinced that Ryan is really still unretired.
Narrator: “It was in fact a retirement post”
Jk, congrats Matt, enjoy the booth
— Arrowhead Live (@ArrowheadLive) May 15, 2023
The "This is not a retirement" part of this is interesting. It basically reads as, "I'm going into broadcasting until and if a team phones me with a job offer I like." It's far more common for coaches than players. https://t.co/pOfgWhrV0Z
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) May 15, 2023
It's been a busy year for Matt Ryan, who has welcomed a third child and now has a new job (while still keeping his old job, he says). https://t.co/FpL8CGfZlO
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) May 15, 2023
Ryan will be used both in the studio and on games. But he hasn't officially retired yet. https://t.co/sh7sMkWPRS
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) May 15, 2023
I can't blame Matt for going into broadcasting. He did a great job doing it last year. I still think @NFLonFOX needs to hire him to replace Terry Bradshaw when Bradshaw is gone. Have Ryan, Tony G, Strahan, Howie and Jimmy on the broadcasts when that happens. https://t.co/PsVJRbOQDi
— 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒌 🐦⬛🏈🇬🇪🇺🇦🇱🇻 (@CarasikS) May 15, 2023
Future Broadcasting Hall of Famer! https://t.co/xOzv6MINHL
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) May 15, 2023
He'll be a 49er by November. https://t.co/qbMEB7FM6U
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) May 15, 2023
It will certainly be interesting to see if Ryan is able to find another NFL job, or whether he really will be stepping into broadcasting this year.
