NFL fans have all been paying tribute to the former MVP Matt Ryan following his retirement that was officially announced on Monday. Per Andrew Gould of The Spun:
The quarterback signed a ceremonial contract with the Atlanta Falcons to end his career where he spent 14 of his 15 seasons. In conjunction with the announcement, the team shared a video of Ryan reading a heartfelt farewell letter/
The video is beautiful and heart felt from Ryan.
From: Matt Ryan
To: Atlanta pic.twitter.com/JWhkNqHzdY— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 22, 2024
Atlanta Falcons Legend Shares Message With NFL World
Ryan is known as arguably the best quarterback in the Atlanta Falcons franchise history, and while he was not able to bring the city a Super Bowl he is still supremely beloved by the fans of Atlanta. Ryan expressed his heart felt gratitude for his all of his former teammates, coaches, and the Falcons fans and organization:
“I truly believe that football, like life, is not simply about what you do but rather who you do it with. And I was a better player because of the people I was surrounded by,” Ryan said. “So today, 16 years after being drafted, my childhood dream has officially come to an end.”
Ryan was very well liked and respected around the NFL, and many fans of all different teams chimed in to give the quarterback his respect and love as he walks away from the league.
NFL and Atlanta Falcon Fans Pay Tribute To Matt Ryan
Atlanta Falcons and NFL fans alike celebrated the former MVP and 4 time Pro Bowler on social media after the announcement was made:
“Greatest Falcon of all time,” Adnan Ikic declared.
“Heck of a career #2,” a fan wrote. “Thank you for the fantastic memories! Wish you nothing but the absolute best in your retirement.”
“I’m not crying, you are,” a fan said. “THE Greatest Falcons QB of all time, and one of my favorite players ever. Thank you for everything.”
“This video is so incredibly put together highlighting Ryan’s career journey,” The Falcoholic’s Allen Strk wrote. “I love how much gratitude he has for his teammates, coaches, and Atlanta as a city. He truly loved being a Falcon. Couldn’t ask for a better person to be the greatest player in franchise history.”
Ryan more than doubles in pass yards the next quarterback in the Atlanta Falcons history, with 59,735. He is first in almost every category by a very wide margin. He should be celebrated as arguably the greatest Falcon of all time.
Ryan specifically addressed the fans as well in a post:
“To the fans of Atlanta, I want to say thank you,” Ryan said during Monday’s press conference. “For the 14 years that I was the quarterback here, I felt the passion and energy all the time.”
— Nick Scroggins (@nscrogg9) April 22, 2024
Congratulations to Matt Ryan on an incredible career!
Related: BREAKING: Former Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl Legend Announces Retirement