The Atlanta Falcons choose to honor Matt Ryan in a completely ironic way

The Atlanta Falcons brought in Matt Ryan this week to talk to the team about what it means to be a Falcon. Ryan’s speech was exactly what you’d expect from the Atlanta legend. Raheem Morris ended the moment by announcing that Ryan would be placed in the Falcons’ ring of honor.

It’s a well-deserved honor for the greatest Falcon in franchise history. Without the Matt Ryan era, how many winning seasons does the franchise have? The quarterback has done the heavy lifting for the franchise for over a decade and is receiving a well-deserved honor.

However, it’s impossible to ignore the strangeness of choosing to induct Matt Ryan alongside Arthur Blank. Atlanta’s ownership is often singled out as the reason for Atlanta’s ill-advised attempt to land Deshaun Watson. Blank was on the defensive against the attempted move that didn’t work simply because the Falcons were outbid by the Cleveland Browns.

It was THE decision that forced Matt Ryan to leave Atlanta and virtually ended his historic career. Atlanta choosing to make this decision after what they did to Ryan during the 2021 season was the height of football villainy.

As a reminder, the 2021 season was the year Atlanta had no help at receiver and attempted to pass the block with Jalen Mayfield in the starting lineup. Ryan was running for his life with very little chance of finding an open receiver. It’s entirely fair to believe that the number of hits and penalties Ryan took this season contributed to the end of his career.

In many ways, it was a fitting end for a player who had long elevated a franchise that couldn’t do anything right. Yes, Ryan played with elite weapons and had a number of strong offensive lines. However, this is made up for by the defenses and coaches Ryan has consistently received.

The veteran quarterback being honored alongside an owner who helped get him out is ironic. Atlanta deserved all the misery dealt to them over two seasons with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder under center. The decision to chase Watson and move on from Ryan cost the team exactly as it should have.

Ryan’s legacy outside of Atlanta will remain mixed due to the playoff results. For those who understand what the veteran meant to this historically cursed franchise, this is a well-deserved, if not a bit ironic, move. One that will showcase the greatest Falcon to ever pass between the lines.