Matt Ryan, a prominent figure in the NFL for over a decade, announced his retirement from football on April 22, 2024. The announcement came after spending the previous year casting himself as an active player due to a $12 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts that would disappear upon retirement.
Ryan's professional journey began in Atlanta when he was drafted as the third overall pick in 2008. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and completed 61.1% of his passes for 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Throughout his career with the Falcons, Ryan set every major franchise passing record. He completed a total of 5,242 passes in 8,003 attempts for an impressive 59,735 yards and an impressive 367 touchdowns. Ryan's accomplishments earned him numerous accolades including The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2008 and later first-team All-Pro recognition, the Offensive Player of the Year award, and the title of MVP in 2016.
Despite his impressive career statistics and awards, Ryan's tenure with Atlanta ended when he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on March 21, 2023. In his final season with Indianapolis, he struggled in 12 starts before being benched for the final weeks of the season and ultimately released.
Ryan's retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned from 2008 to 2023. He leaves behind an impressive legacy as one of the most durable and consistent players in NFL history.
