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Former Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl Legend Announces Retirement
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl Legend Announces Retirement

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics  |  By Jordan Sigler  |  Last updated 4/22/24

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made a video to announce his retirement as a player in the NFL. The Falcons legend is hanging up his cleats after a 15-year playing career.

The Falcons selected Ryan with the No. 3 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He earned the NFL MVP and All-Pro honors for the 2016 season. He made the Pro Bowl four times as a member of the Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons soared to No. 2 with Matt Ryan

Ryan led the Falcons to heights not seen since Chris Chandler was in uniform. Ryan’s superb play during the 2016 season led the team to their first Super Bowl since the 1998 season. No. 2 would lead the Falcons to No. 2 in the league. With Ryan under center, the Falcons ultimately blew a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots to lose 34-28 in Super Bowl LI.

Ryan played with Atlanta through the 2021 season. The Falcons traded Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round pick before the 2022 season. Unfortunately for Ryan, he played one season under the quarterback killer, Frank Reich, and the Colts released him in March of the 2023 offseason. He didn’t find employment for the 2023 season.

Ryan announces his retirement

The Falcons released a video of Ryan’s announcement on their X account:

Falcons fans’ initial reaction to Ryan’s retirement

Here are the best initial reactions to Ryan announcing his retirement.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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