Atlanta Falcons shock Matt Ryan with Ultimate Team honor

The Atlanta Falcons are a storied organization in the NFL and they have had the benefit of having one of the purest passers in the league for 14 seasons in Matt Ryan. Ryan was drafted No. 3 overall by the Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft and immediately reinvigorated the franchise with new life.

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Ryan spent 14 seasons under center for the Falcons, and during that time he set a multitude of records, including franchise records for 59,735 passing yards and 367 passing touchdowns. He has been a consummate professional throughout his career with the team, and was recently asked to speak to the team to motivate them for the 2024 season. However, his trip to the Falcons facility did not was not just intended for passionate speech.

Ryan gave a speech to the room about what it means to play for the Falcons, which he said was about “coming in and winning every day.” He exclaimed that once the players prove themselves in the building, the city will accept them as well. His speech ended with applause and cheers, only for him to turn around and be surprised with an induction into the Falcons’ ring of honor.

The shock on Ryan’s face is evident, as he smiles from ear to ear. After a speech that moved the room, the announcement of his induction into Ring of Honor by head coach Raheem Morris left him almost speechless. Ryan simply said: “I have nothing to answer.”

Ryan has been a force with the Falcons for many seasons. During his rookie season in 2008, the signal-caller threw for 3,440 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He would only get better, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Ryan was also named NFL MVP in 2016 after passing for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 9.3 yards per completion percentage.

During Ryan’s time with the Falcons, the team made the playoffs four times, including an NFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl appearance in 2016.

Ryan is currently No. 9 on the NFL’s all-time touchdown list with 381 – 367 during his time with the Falcons. His 62,792 passing yards also rank seventh on the NFL’s all-time list, with 59,735 of those coming from his time in Atlanta.

Ryan also holds the record for most career 300-yard games with the Falcons franchise with 73, and his nickname “Matty Ice” was well known throughout the league for being effective when needed. Although he never won the Super Bowl, Ryan will forever be a part of the Falcons organization.