Matt Ryan
The third overall pick who became the Falcons' all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns while earning NFL MVP honors.
Matthew Thomas Ryan, known widely as "Matty Ice," is a central figure in Atlanta Falcons history, serving as the franchise's primary quarterback for 14 seasons before transitioning to an executive role. Born on May 17, 1985, he was selected third overall by the Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft and immediately led the team to the playoffs in his rookie year. His career is defined by leading the franchise to six playoff appearances and three division titles, culminating in a Super Bowl LI appearance following an MVP season in 2016.
- Role
- Quarterback
- Tenure
- 14 seasons with Atlanta Falcons
- Draft Status
- 3rd Overall Pick (2008)
- Super Bowl Appearance
- LI
- Franchise Record
- Most Career Passing Yards, Touchdowns, Attempts, and Completions
- Pro Bowls
- 4 Selections
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ryan's journey began at William Penn Charter School, where he captained football, basketball, and baseball teams as a senior. After choosing Boston College over Iowa to balance academics with competition, he redshirted his first year before taking the helm in 2004. By 2007, he had launched "Mattyice.com" for fans and secured back-to-back 10-win seasons for the Eagles. His senior year was historic: he set single-season passing records with 4,507 yards and 31 touchdowns, earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Manning Award, and ACC Player of the Year honors despite a tough Heisman campaign that ended in seventh place.
In Their Own Story
Upon entering the NFL in 2008 as the third overall pick, Ryan wasted no time proving his worth. He earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after guiding the Falcons to the playoffs immediately. Over the next decade, he became the face of the franchise, securing four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod. The pinnacle arrived in 2016 when he was named NFL Most Valuable Player. That season, he led the team to Super Bowl LI, orchestrating a high-powered offense that set records before falling in a historic comeback loss. After a final season with the Indianapolis Colts, he returned to Atlanta as president of football in 2026 and was inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2024.
Reader's Guide
Matt Ryan's professional tenure spanned 15 seasons, primarily with the Falcons from 2008 through his 14th season in Atlanta. He ranks among the league's all-time top 10 in passing yards, touchdowns, attempts, and completions. During his time in Atlanta, he led the team to six playoff appearances and three division titles. His statistical dominance is absolute for the franchise; he holds the record as the Falcons' leader in career passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, and completions. Following his retirement from playing, he rejoined the organization in 2026 as the president of football.
Did You Know?
- He launched a personal website called Mattyice.com during his senior year of college to share highlights and stats with fans.
- As a high school senior at William Penn Charter School, Ryan was named captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams simultaneously.
- Ryan's 2016 MVP season resulted in the Falcons reaching Super Bowl LI, their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
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