The Matt Ryan era in Atlanta is officially over after the Falcons traded the veteran signal caller to the Colts for a third-round pick. For 14 seasons, Ryan has led the organization through the highest highs and lowest lows. The Boston College product took over during the Falcons’ darkest times, following Michael Vick’s incarceration and Bobby Petrino’s gutless exit.
Ryan has led the franchise to countless playoff appearances and even made it to a Super Bowl, which ended in humiliating fashion to no fault of his own. He’s the greatest player in Falcons’ history, and whoever replaces him as the long-term solution will have difficulty measuring up to the person, leader, and competitor Ryan has been in Atlanta.
Even in his final moments with the Falcons, Ryan had the utmost class. He handled the team pursuing Deshaun Watson with respect, unlike Baker Mayfield, who threw a temper tantrum. Then, after the Falcons lost out on the Watson sweepstakes, Ryan still contemplated returning to Atlanta. It took convincing from Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith that Indy was the best place for him to maximize his twilight years. He’s a Falcon through and through. His final message to the city of Atlanta and Falcons fans exudes the type of person he is — taking out a full page in the AJC to thank Atlanta and the fans.
Thank you, Atlanta.
– Matt, Sarah, Marshall and Johnny pic.twitter.com/hl0sE1o7A8
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) March 23, 2022
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