Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
Drafted third overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Matt Ryan quickly established himself as a reliable and clutch performer, earning the nickname “Matty Ice” for his composure under pressure.
Over 14 seasons with the Falcons, he set numerous franchise records, including most passing yards (59,735), touchdowns (367) and wins (120). His standout 2016 season saw him throw for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns with just seven interceptions, leading the league in yards per attempt (9.3) and earning NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and First-team All-Pro honors.
That year, he guided Atlanta to Super Bowl LI, where they [infamously blew a 28-3 lead](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2691400-how-did-the-atlanta-falcons-blow-super-bowl-li) in a 34-28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots.
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Traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, Ryan’s final season included 3,057 yards and 14 touchdowns in 12 starts, but injuries and team struggles marked a subdued end. He retired in 2024 and transitioned to a CBS Sports analyst role.
Ryan’s career totals stand at 62,792 passing yards and 381 touchdowns across 234 games, with a 93.6 passer rating and 124-109-1 record. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and consistently posted high completion percentages, often exceeding 65 percent
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While criticized for the Super Bowl collapse and lack of a championship ring despite regular-season success, his consistency elevated talents like Julio Jones and Roddy White.
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Ryan’s legacy endures as one of the Falcons’ greatest, with potential Hall of Fame consideration.