The Atlanta Falcons have announced the appointment of former star quarterback Matt Ryan as their new President of Football Operations. This significant move marks Ryan's return to the franchise where he built a legendary playing career. In his new capacity, Ryan will assume a leadership position, reporting directly to team owner Arthur Blank, and will be tasked with guiding the future direction of the team's football endeavors. This includes the critical responsibility of selecting and hiring future general managers and head coaches, who will subsequently report to him. He will also work collaboratively with Greg Beadles, the team's president and CEO, who manages the business aspects of the organization.
Ryan's illustrious career with the Falcons spanned 14 seasons, during which he showcased remarkable durability and consistent performance. Drafted third overall in 2008, he missed only three games throughout his tenure in Atlanta, starting all 234 contests from 2008 to 2021. His impressive statistics include 59,735 passing yards and 367 touchdowns, leading the team to a 120-102 record. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Most Valuable Player in 2016, Ryan is one of only ten players in league history to surpass 60,000 career passing yards. After concluding his playing career with a single season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, he transitioned to a role as an analyst for CBS Sports, which he will now depart to fully dedicate himself to the Falcons.
Expressing his excitement for this new chapter, Ryan highlighted his deep connection to the Falcons organization and the city of Atlanta. He emphasized his commitment to building a culture of accountability, resilience, and sustained success. His vision includes setting clear expectations for every member of the team, implementing strategic thinking, and focusing on both immediate achievements and long-term prosperity. While acknowledging that the administrative side of football is a new challenge, Ryan stated his readiness to learn and adapt, drawing upon his extensive experience as a player and leader to navigate the complexities of his new role. He firmly believes that his unique perspective will be invaluable in guiding the Falcons towards a championship-caliber future, especially following a 2025 season that saw the team finish 8-9 and resulted in changes to the coaching and general manager positions.
Matt Ryan's appointment signals a new era for the Atlanta Falcons, infusing the organization with a profound understanding of the game from a respected figure. His leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to excellence, aiming to inspire both the team and its passionate fanbase towards achieving their ultimate goal of a championship.