Matt Ryan

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Ryan played college football for the Boston College Eagles, winning the Manning and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards and receiving first-team All-American honors in 2007. He was selected third overall by the Falcons in the 2008 NFL draft and took them to the playoffs in his first season, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year. Ryan went on to lead the team to six playoff appearances and three division titles during his 14 seasons in Atlanta, while receiving four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro selection. His most successful season was in 2016 when he was named NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and led the Falcons to an appearance in Super Bowl LI. Ryan played for the Indianapolis Colts in his final year. After retiring, he rejoined the Falcons in 2026 as the president of football. He was inducted to the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor in 2024.

In Their Own Story

Upon entering the NFL in 2008 as the third overall pick, Ryan wasted no time proving his worth. He earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after guiding the Falcons to the playoffs immediately. Over the next decade, he became the face of the franchise, securing four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod. The pinnacle arrived in 2016 when he was named NFL Most Valuable Player. That season, he led the team to Super Bowl LI, orchestrating a high-powered offense that set records before falling in a historic comeback loss. After a final season with the Indianapolis Colts, he returned to Atlanta as president of football in 2026 and was inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2024.

Reader's Guide

Ryan attended William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, where he was a three-year starter and earned All-East honors. He played football, basketball, and baseball in high school. He began attending Boston College in 2003 and redshirted his first year. He made his collegiate debut on October 2, 2004, against UMass. He started 11 of 12 games in 2006, leading the ACC in total offense and passing yards. In 2007, he set Boston College single-season records for passing touchdowns (31) and led the Eagles to their first 10-win regular season since 1940. He was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year, and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Did You Know?

• Ryan's nickname "Matty Ice" was used for his senior year website Mattyice.com.
• He surpassed Doug Flutie for most passing touchdowns in a single season by a Boston College quarterback in 2007.
• Ryan threw for a career-high 435 yards against Georgia Tech in 2007.
• He led Boston College to extend the nation's longest bowl winning streak to eight games in 2007.