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Atlanta Falcons make owner and 4X Pro Bowler and likely Hall of Fame quarterback part of dual Ring of Honor induction

The Atlanta Falcons are taking a break from offseason headlines to generate more optimistic news for their fans.

The Atlanta Falcons endured an optimistic but difficult offseason

Kirk Cousins ​​Atlanta Falcons Philadelphia Eagles
June 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​(18) is interviewed after the Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Deciding once and for all to leave the quarterback wilderness and sign former Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins ​​to a 4-year, $180 million contract.

The move not only comes with what is considered a moderate to high risk factor, paying nearly $200 million to a player who is expected to turn 36 in August after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in end of the season last October, but also a tampering violation that landed the Falcons with a 5th round pick and a (relatively) small fine of $250,000.

And it all goes hand in hand with the vehement and cynical media and fan reaction to Atlanta’s selection of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the latest 2024 NFL Draft, a spot where many believe An additional defensive lineman or pass catcher could have made a more immediate impact on a team built to win now.

New inductees headed toward Falcons’ highest honor

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
February 5, 2017; Houston, Texas, United States; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) shouts to wide receiver Julio Jones (11) in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With all the pressure that will inevitably be placed on the current favorites in the NFC South division, the month-long summer break is a great time to put aside the stress of past and upcoming seasons and focus on highlighting those who have the most value for the organization.

The most prestigious of them; the Atlanta Falcons’ ring of honor, which Ari Meirov said determined its two newest members.

Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan head to the ring of honor

Atlanta Falcons
November 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank watches the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

This is obviously a huge honor and well deserved for the potential/probable (depending on who you talk to) future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Ryan has an impressive 4 Pro Bowl appearances – plus turning down a backup position in 2018 after a whopping 35 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions for over 4,900 yards – in his 14 years as a QB starting for the Falcons, during which he has only missed 3 games since being drafted 3rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.

This is despite his 2016 MVP/Offensive Player of the Year season, where his Falcons gave up an incredible 25-point lead to lose Super Bowl LI to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Arthur Blank, on the other hand, failed to present the organization with the coveted Lombardi Trophy, despite participating in the “Big Game” in 2016, since purchasing the Atlanta Falcons in 2002.

However, it should be noted that while the Falcons have just one winning record under Blank’s ownership (178-176-1), he has taken over a franchise in great disarray, outside of just one NFC championship victory in 1999 before losing. in the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos led by John Elway and Mike Shanahan.

NB At first glance, I laughed that Blank, as owner, had essentially inducted himself into the Falcons’ ring of honor, which would have been a pretty funny/mildly narcissistic thing to do. However, upon further reading, it appears the honor is decided by a committee led by team president Greg Beadles.

In fact, here’s a weirdly candid video of Atlanta’s owner surprised by his ROH induction.

Congratulations to him and Matt Ryan.

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Good morning. If you enjoyed this article (or really, even if you didn’t). Please go follow me on Twitter @danielarwas for more NFL “Special Edition” news, updates and previews.

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