Video: Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan Surprised by Falcons Ring of Honor Announcement

Doric SamJune 18, 2024

Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Former quarterback Matt Ryan was invited to speak to his old team recently, but the Atlanta Falcons had a special surprise waiting for him.

After Ryan delivered an inspirational message to the team, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris informed him that he will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor this year. Ryan said on social media that the announcement genuinely caught him off-guard:

Matt Ryan @M_Ryan02Meant the world to me to be the QB of the @AtlantaFalcons for 14 seasons. Honored and humbled to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. Thank you to Mr. Blank and the entire organization. #Riseup https://t.co/5aGiN7UjO2

Ryan was drafted third overall by the Falcons in the 2008 draft and spent 14 of his 15 seasons in the NFL with the franchise. He earned NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 and led the Falcons to an appearance in Super Bowl LI that season.

The four-time Pro Bowler also holds virtually every franchise passing record in Falcons history. Ryan has since transitioned to a broadcasting career and is an analyst on CBS Sports.

The Falcons have their best quarterback since Ryan left in 2021 after signing Kirk Cousins earlier this offseason. Atlanta also set itself up for the future by drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in April. Ryan left the Falcons with a message of encouragement and well wishes.

“I’m pulling for you guys, it’s gonna be fun to watch you this year,” Ryan told the team.