WATCH: Atlanta Falcons pay tribute to Matt Ryan following surprise trade
The Atlanta Falcons released a video tribute on their social media after their surprising trade of franchise quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan was drafted by the Falcons with the third overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft from Boston College, and he has led the team ever since. On Monday, Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round draft pick in a move that surprised fans around the league.
Arthur Blank on Falcons’ trading Matt Ryan
The video tribute released by the Falcons played audio from his draft selection, highlight plays from broadcasts and audio of Ryan himself leading his team in a pregame huddle. As the words “Thank you Matt,” played on the screen, video of Ryan taking the field gave fans one last chance to remember his impact on the franchise as he now joins a Colts team aiming for a strong playoff run.
“Matt Ryan has been the epitome of a franchise quarterback during his time here in Atlanta,” said owner Arthur Blank on the move. “He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years. It is difficult to overstate what he has meant to me personally, our organization, his teammates and our fans.
“From his first day in the building, Matt has given his all in the pursuit of winning a championship for Atlanta. His arrival in 2008 instantly made us a contender in the NFC and he’s been our quarterback through the most successful era in Falcons history. Matt led us to the playoffs six times, including two NFC Championship games, and the first Super Bowl appearance under my stewardship of the franchise. He holds every significant passing record in club history, is an All-Pro, an NFL MVP and is without question one of the greatest players in Falcons history. He will one day be added to our Ring of Honor, and it is my belief that a bust in Canton will follow in short order.
“This business is not without its difficult decisions, and while this is one of the most difficult decisions we have faced as a club, we feel it is in the best long-term interests of both the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan. On behalf of the entire Falcons organization, I wish him success as he continues his career and know that he will bring the same dedication and professionalism to his next club. We also wish health and happiness to his wife Sarah and their twin boys, Johnny and Marshall.”