Yardbarker
x
Matt Ryan addresses potentially joining Falcons coaching staff
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Falcons have been making headlines in recent weeks, but it’s been for all of the wrong reasons.

Kirk Cousins tampering allegations and Bill Belichick drama have dominated storylines, but not today. Today, it’s all about Matt Ryan, who officially announced his retirement on Monday, exactly 16 years after he was drafted 3rd overall.

In the wake of his announcement, Falcons fans took to Twitter and Facebook to bring up a popular proposal among the fan base — will Ryan now join the coaching staff in Atlanta?

The greatest quarterback in franchise history was always expected to stick around the game. He’s joined the CBS Sports team as a broadcaster, and Ryan has thrived in that role, but this announcement still left Falcons fans hopeful that he’d maybe be on the sidelines again.

They can now let go of that dream because during his press conference, Matt Ryan quashed any idea of him joining the Falcons coaching staff; he’s certain of that.

Matt Ryan had a hell of a career in Atlanta. When the organization was at its lowest, with Michael Vick in prison and Bobby Petrino nowhere to be found, Ryan resurrected a dead franchise, bringing the Falcons to the postseason in his first season.

He’d go on to make the team relevant for the next 14 years, and it’s truly the best years the Falcons have ever seen, certainly the most successful. It wasn’t because of Thomas Dimitroff, Arthur Blank, Dan Quinn, or Mike Smith. The Falcons were competitive year in and year out because of #2.

Following a career with mountains of success, he’s now taking on a new challenge in the booth, and I feel certain he will attack that role with the same passion and dedication as he did playing quarterback.

Maybe, some time down the road, Matt Ryan will pick up the whistle, but it won’t be soon. For now, Falcons fans can catch Matty Ice dominating the booth for CBS, and that’s just fine.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.