Matt Ryan Retires: From Falcons MVP to Front Office Future
The curtain officially fell on one of the NFL’s most consistent and prolific careers in April 2024. Matt Ryan, the 2016 MVP and the undisputed greatest quarterback in Atlanta Falcons history, signed a one-day contract to retire with the team that drafted him. After 15 seasons—14 in Atlanta and one with the Indianapolis Colts—”Matty Ice” transitioned smoothly into broadcasting with CBS Sports. But the story didn’t end there. Recent reports in late 2025 suggest a stunning new chapter could be on the horizon: a potential front-office return to the Falcons.
Ryan’s legacy is a complex tapestry of remarkable regular-season excellence and one infamous postseason collapse. As the dust settles on his playing days, the conversation has shifted from his on-field stats to his enduring impact on a franchise and what his sharp football mind could offer from the front office.
The Official Retirement of an Atlanta Legend
On Monday, April 22, 2024, Matt Ryan made it official, announcing his retirement from the NFL. He did it the right way, returning to Atlanta to sign a symbolic one-day contract and close his career as a Falcon. The move cemented a relationship that defined an era for the franchise.
“It’s special to be able to do it here,” Ryan said at the time, highlighting the deep connection with the city and fans that drafted him third overall in 2008.
His retirement marked the end of a 15-year run characterized by incredible durability and production. Ryan started from his very first game as a rookie and became the steady, prolific face of the Falcons franchise for over a decade.
By The Numbers: The Stellar Career of Matty Ice
To understand Matt Ryan’s impact, you need to look at the statistics. His career marks place him among the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history, and he owns virtually every significant passing record for the Atlanta Falcons.
| Career Statistic | Total | NFL Rank (All-Time) | Falcons Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 62,792 | 7th | 1st |
| Passing Touchdowns | 381 | 9th | 1st |
| Completions | 5,551 | 7th | 1st |
| Passer Rating | 93.6 | Top 20 | 1st (min. 1,500 att.) |
| Games Started | 234 | Top 15 | 1st |
Beyond the raw totals, Ryan’s 2016 MVP season was a masterpiece. He led the league in passer rating (117.1), completion percentage (69.9%), and yards per attempt (9.3), guiding the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance. He also co-led the NFL in completion percentage in 2012, showcasing the accuracy that defined his game.
The 28-3 Shadow and a Complicated Legacy
No discussion of Matt Ryan’s career is complete without addressing Super Bowl LI. Leading 28-3 in the third quarter against the New England Patriots, the Falcons suffered a collapse that remains a painful part of sports lore. This single game, unfortunately, became a defining lens for some when viewing Ryan’s career, often overshadowing his year-in, year-out excellence and MVP-caliber play.
However, within Atlanta and among analysts, the perspective is more balanced. He is widely regarded as the most accomplished and best quarterback in Falcons history. His longevity, consistency, and role in the franchise’s most successful sustained period are his true legacy.
Life After Retirement: From the Booth to the Front Office?
Ryan immediately joined CBS Sports as a NFL analyst following his retirement, showcasing his knowledge and communication skills. But by December 2025, a fascinating new rumor emerged. Multiple reports, including from Fox NFL insider Jay Glazer, indicated the Atlanta Falcons have had serious discussions with Ryan about a potential front-office role.
| Timeline | Event | Status/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2024 | Officially retires from NFL, signs one-day contract with Falcons. | Retired Player |
| 2024 Season | Begins role as NFL analyst for CBS Sports. | Broadcaster |
| Dec 2025 | Reports surface of talks with Falcons about a front-office position. | Subject of Negotiations |
This move would make strategic sense for an organization looking to reintegrate its greatest icon. Ryan’s deep understanding of the game, the Falcons’ culture, and the quarterback position could provide invaluable insight in player evaluation, roster construction, or a broader executive role. As of early 2026, these discussions are reported as preliminary, but they signal a strong mutual interest in reuniting.
Matt Ryan at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Ryan |
| Born | May 17, 1985 (Age 40 as of 2026) |
| NFL Teams | Atlanta Falcons (2008-2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022) |
| Key Accolade | NFL Most Valuable Player (2016) |
| Current Role (2026) | CBS Sports Analyst / In talks for Falcons Front-Office Role |
| Career Earnings (Est.) | Over $300 million |
Common Questions
When did Matt Ryan officially retire?
Matt Ryan officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, April 22, 2024. He signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
What is Matt Ryan doing now in 2026?
As of early 2026, Matt Ryan is currently working as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports. However, multiple reports from late 2025 indicate he is in serious discussions with the Atlanta Falcons about a potential front-office executive role, which could change his primary job function.
Is Matt Ryan a Hall of Famer?
Matt Ryan’s Hall of Fame candidacy is a strong topic of debate. His statistical rankings (top 10 all-time in yards and touchdowns), his 2016 MVP award, and his longevity work in his favor. The lack of a Super Bowl victory and the memory of the “28-3” loss may be held against him by some voters, but many analysts believe his prolific career will eventually earn him a gold jacket.
What are Matt Ryan’s career stats?
Matt Ryan finished his 15-year career with 62,792 passing yards (7th all-time), 381 touchdown passes (9th all-time), and 5,551 completions (7th all-time). He maintained a career passer rating of 93.6 and started 234 games, showcasing remarkable durability and production.