Matt Ryan, the former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, is still loved by fans and the team. On his 40th birthday, the Falcons filled social media with birthday wishes to celebrate him. Known for his leadership and class, Ryan recently said he wants to help mentor young quarterback Michael Penix Jr., making fans appreciate him even more.
Matt Ryan’s Accomplishments and Legacy with the Atlanta Falcons
Ryan threw for 59,735 yards, 367 touchdowns and made 4,867 completions over 14 seasons in Atlanta. He holds the team record in every major passing stat. Across the NFL, he ranks seventh all-time in passing yards (62,792), ninth in touchdowns (381) and fifth in completions (5,551). He completed 65.6% of his passes and had a 93.6 passer rating, showing how steady he was. Ryan was also picked for the Pro Bowl four times.
Ryan’s 2016 season was the best of his career and helped make his legacy. He won the NFL MVP award after throwing for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He had a 117.1 passer rating and led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a trip to Super Bowl LI. Even though Atlanta lost a tough game to New England, Ryan’s strong play and leadership during the playoffs are still remembered by fans.
Ryan’s impact on the Falcons goes beyond the record books. He brought stability, leadership and hope to a franchise that often struggled before his arrival. As fans celebrate his 40th birthday, it’s the perfect time to look back on all he gave to Atlanta—on and off the field. The question now is: Where do you rank Ryan on your all-time list of Falcons greats?