Matt Ryan, the esteemed former quarterback of Boston College, concluded his illustrious football career by signing a symbolic one-day contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday. Drafted by the Falcons with the third overall pick in 2008, Ryan’s journey from leading BC to a No. 2 ranking in 2007 to becoming the highest-drafted player in the program’s history epitomizes a remarkable 15-year stint in the NFL.
During his tenure with the Falcons from 2008 to 2021, Ryan served as the team’s starting quarterback for 14 seasons, showcasing remarkable durability by missing just three starts throughout his Atlanta career.
His NFL journey culminated with a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, where he wrapped up his career with a commendable record of 124-109-1 in 234 starts. Ryan’s impressive statistical legacy includes ranking seventh all-time in passing yards with 62,792, ninth in touchdowns with 381, and fifth in passing completions with 5,551.
Ryan’s crowning achievement came in 2016, when he earned the coveted MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors, propelling the Falcons to their second NFC Championship. That memorable season saw Ryan secure an All-Pro First Team selection, boasting a stellar 117.1 passer rating, alongside a career-high 4,944 passing yards and 38 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.
Throughout his career, Ryan’s prowess earned him four Pro Bowl selections and the distinction of Offensive Rookie of the Year, revitalizing a franchise that had endured a playoff drought for four years.
At Boston College, Ryan left an indelible mark during his five-year tenure from 2003 to 2007. After redshirting his freshman year in 2003, Ryan steadily ascended the ranks, ultimately seizing the role of the team’s permanent starter at the onset of the 2006 season.
Guiding BC to a historic 10-3 record in 2006, Ryan spearheaded the program’s first 10-win season since the iconic Doug Flutie era in 1984. His leadership reached its pinnacle in 2007, propelling the Eagles to a remarkable No. 2 ranking in the polls and securing an appearance in the ACC Championship Game, culminating in a victory over Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl to cap off an impressive 11-3 season.
Ryan’s collegiate accolades include being named the 2007 ACC Player of the Year and earning All-ACC First Team and AFCA All-America honors in his final season. In a fitting tribute to his contributions, Ryan’s No. 12 jersey was retired at Alumni Stadium in 2016, commemorating his exceptional achievements on the field.
His remarkable records, including a single-season passing yards record of 4,507 in 2007, underscore his enduring impact on Boston College’s football program.
As Ryan embarks on the next chapter of his journey, his legacy looms large, with eligibility for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2028 serving as a testament to his remarkable career and enduring impact on the game of football.
