On Monday, Matt Ryan joined the long list of quarterbacks set to wear different uniforms next season. The Atlanta Falcons traded the four-time Pro Bowler to the Colts in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick.
After the deal was done, Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement on Ryan’s time with the team.
“Matt Ryan has been the epitome of a franchise quarterback during his time here in Atlanta,” Blank said. “He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years. It is difficult to overstate what he has meant to me personally, our organization, his teammates and our fans.”
Falcons owner Arthur Blank bids farewell to Matt Ryan: “He will one day be added to our Ring of Honor, and it is my belief that a bust in Canton will follow in short order”https://t.co/kt0cggkfjl pic.twitter.com/R1VBoHcXU7
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 21, 2022
Blank went to reminisce about Ryan’s arrival in Atlanta, before running down his list of accomplishments. Saying that the 36-year-old should one day be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“His arrival in 2008 instantly made us a contender in the NFC and he’s been our quarterback through the most successful era in Falcons history,” Blank continued. “Matt led us to the playoffs six times, including two NFC Championship games, and the first Super Bowl appearance under my stewardship of the franchise.”
Noting, “He holds every significant passing record in club history, is an All-Pro, an NFL MVP and is without question one of the greatest players in Falcons history. He will one day be added to our Ring of Honor, and it is my belief that a bust in Canton will follow in short order.”
A true leader in Atlanta for 14 seasons.
Thank you, Matt Ryan. pic.twitter.com/ibwwv5YDQE
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 21, 2022
Matt Ryan took over the Falcons’ starting QB job with a near-impossible task in front of him; leading the franchise in the aftermath of the Michael Vick era.
And that he did.
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