The Falcons again sat out the playoffs that began last weekend but they did make big news when they named NFL alum and former quarterback Matt Ryan as the team’s President of Football.
The 40-year old Ryan will have final decision-making authority on football decisions and will be fully involved in hiring the team’s new coach and general manager this month. Those two positions will report to him.
Ryan was the Falcons first round draft choice in 2008 and played in Atlanta for 14 seasons. Team owner Arthur Blank was thrilled that Ryan agreed to return to his NFL alma mater in this newly created position.
“Throughout his remarkable playing career with us,” says Blank, “Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history. I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as Matt steps into his new role.”
Ryan’s return to the league expands the list of NFL alumni who have been hired to key front office jobs. Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome was promoted to the general manager’s role in 2002 and was the key architect of two Super Bowl winning teams for the Ravens. More recently, John Lynch (49ers), Tony Boselli (Jaguars), and Dan Morgan (Panthers) now are among those alumni who are fully responsible for football operations on their respective clubs.
Ryan’s hiring was well received by former teammates and coaches.
Todd McClure, who played center and helped protect him for five seasons, is not surprised that Ryan and other NFL alums have been brought back to the front office by their former clubs.
”I believe that players such as Matt who have done it at the highest level know what it takes,” says McClure. “There is just something about former players who see the game a little differently. They see the locker room differently. I think Matt is going to be great in his new role.”
Terry Robiskie played for the Raiders and Dolphins 40 years ago but also was the receivers coach for the Falcons at the same time that Ryan played there.
“If Matt makes a decision to do anything,” Robiskie explains, “he’s always committed to that decision. I believe he could do just about anything he wanted to. Put your money on him. Matt is all-in all the time.”
Ryan was on the CBS Sports pregame set for the last two seasons alongside NFL alums Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher. His CBS farewell was last Sunday.
“I am fortunate to be in this position,” Ryan told the pregame TV audience. “I am excited about the opportunity and ready to get started. We in Atlanta want to be in the playoffs. That’s the vision for where we want to be. We are going to work really hard and find the right people to get us back in that position to be successful.”
We at NFL Alumni congratulate Matt Ryan and wish him much success in the new role. We will be available to help him in any way we can.
