Posted on Apr 22
Former Falcons and Colts QB Matt Ryan announces retirement after illustrious 15-season career
u/alex •
ATLANTA, GA -- In a heartfelt video statement shared by the Atlanta Falcons on social media, former quarterback Matt Ryan has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The decision marks the end of an illustrious 15-season career for Ryan, who expressed gratitude for retiring as a Falcon, emphasizing the special significance of beginning and ending his journey in Atlanta.
Throughout his remarkable career, Ryan started in all 234 games he played, maintaining an exceptional level of consistency and durability. From 2010 until October 27, 2019, he started every game for the Falcons, only interrupted by a single absence due to an ankle injury. Ryan's time in Atlanta saw him establish himself as the team's all-time leader in several passing categories.
Ryan's accomplishments on the field are undeniably impressive. He led the NFL in completions twice (2019, 2020), attempts once (2020), and completion percentage once (2012). Over the course of his career, Ryan completed 65.6% of his passes for a total of 62,792 yards, 381 touchdowns, and 183 interceptions, boasting an impressive quarterback rating of 93.6.
In the annals of NFL history, Ryan solidifies his place among the greats. He ranks fifth in all-time completions (5,551) and attempts (8,464), seventh in yards, ninth in touchdowns, eighth in passing yards per game (268.3), ninth in sacks taken (488), and 39th in interceptions. Furthermore, Ryan recorded an impressive 46 game-winning drives, placing him sixth all-time, while his 38 fourth-quarter comebacks rank him fourth in NFL history.
Ryan's consistency is a testament to his skill and dedication. From 2011 to 2020, he consistently achieved over 4,000 passing yards and threw for at least 20 touchdowns each season. However, it was his exceptional 2016 campaign that cemented his legacy. Leading the Falcons to the Super Bowl, Ryan earned the league MVP and first-team All-Pro honors. He threw for an impressive 4,944 yards, completing an outstanding 69.9% of his passes, and recording 38 touchdowns. Furthermore, Ryan led the NFL in passer rating (117.1) and QBR (79.6) that year.
Ryan's tenure with the Falcons began in 2008 when he was drafted as the No. 3 pick, bringing stability to the team's quarterback position after a turbulent prior season. Over the years, he etched his name in the franchise record books, becoming the all-time leader in wins (120), yards (59,735), touchdowns (367), completions (5,242), and attempts (8,003). His career completion rate of 65.5% with the Falcons stands as the highest among quarterbacks who started multiple seasons for the franchise.
Following a trade to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, Ryan played 12 games in his final season. He completed 67% of his passes for 3,057 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. However, Indianapolis released him in March 2023, and Ryan did not find a new team for the subsequent season. Instead, he made a smooth transition to an in-game analyst role for CBS Sports, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with football fans.
Matt Ryan's retirement signifies the end of an era, closing the chapter on a remarkable career filled with accolades, records, and unforgettable moments. As he steps away from the field, Ryan leaves an indelible mark on the Atlanta Falcons organization and the NFL as a whole.