Matt Ryan called it a career on Monday.
The former longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback had been with CBS Sports this past season after unofficially exiting the league. Ryan put all doubt to rest that he’d return back to the NFL on Monday. The former Boston College standout officially called it a career.
Ryan’s retirement announcement came in the form of a video that the 2016 NFL MVP posted on X.
“Atlanta… the Falcons… football… thank you!” Ryan said. He penned a message through a special video.
Atlanta… The Falcons… Football… Thank you!pic.twitter.com/wld8K9UlJv
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) April 22, 2024
In 2008, the Falcons drafted Ryan as their next franchise quarterback. Ryan led the team to its most prominent run ever. They appeared in the NFL Playoffs six times with Ryan at the helm. Ryan also led the franchise to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time ever in 2008 and 2009, his first and second years in the league.
Ryan also commanded the Falcons to two No. 1 seeds and then a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. We… will not go any further on that.
What’s important to note, though, is that Ryan is almost undoubtedly the best quarterback in Falcons history. Only Michael Vick made as much of an impact for the franchise. Ryan had a brilliant career under center and now likely heads off to CBS for the immediate future.
Best of luck to Matt Ryan in retirement! The NFL world had much to say about his announcement.
Matt Ryan + Julio in 2016 was so special pic.twitter.com/d0cwiuyGvZ
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 22, 2024
"To the fans of Atlanta, I want to say thank you." – Matt Ryan pic.twitter.com/uIB4Nw0wsm
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 22, 2024
A statement from Arthur M. Blank on the retirement of Matt Ryan pic.twitter.com/YhBpqUgxAL
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 22, 2024
2016 was a special year. Matt Ryan put together one of the best QB seasons we’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/EMUXQufjmh
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) April 22, 2024
Matt Ryan is the #Falcons GOAT. The amount of class, consistency, and high-level play he brought to this team is nothing short of legendary. Atlanta will never see another Ryan again. Mad respect for a tremendous career.
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) April 22, 2024
Matt Ryan has 36,265 more passing yards than any other player in Falcons history.
That's not his total.
That's the lead he has on everyone else.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) April 22, 2024
With Matt Ryan officially retiring a Falcon today, I can't understate what he did for that franchise and city from the time of his arrival – when the Falcons were in a very dark space – until today. Salute to Matt and his family.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 22, 2024