Breaking: Former Colts QB Retires

Matt Ryan’s transfer to the commentary booth in 2023 appeared to be the end of his playing career.

The former MVP quarterback was open to returning to the field last season, but this is no longer the case.

Ryan announced his retirement on Monday (video link). To no surprise, he did so while still a member of the Falcons, where he spent the first 14 years of his career. The 38-year-old spent 2022 with the Colts, but his one-year stint there cleared the door for his broadcasting career to begin.

Ryan was picked third overall by the Falcons in 2008, and he remained the team’s starting quarterback until his final season in Atlanta in 2021. During that time, he was named to four Pro Bowls, with the 2016 season being the highlight, as he led the league’s highest-scoring offense. The Falcons’ prowess on that side of the ball helped propel them to the Super Bowl.

Atlanta suffered a historic collapse in the game, and the team has only made one playoff appearance since. Ryan remained a regular contributor as he aged, but the former Offensive Rookie of the Year could not lead the Falcons to another deep playoff run. Ryan was traded to the Colts in 2022 as his future became more uncertain.

Indianapolis saw Ryan’s acquisition as a long-term investment, but he failed as the team’s starter (14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions in 12 games). With Frank Reich out of the picture, interim head coach Jeff Saturday benched the Boston College product, foreshadowing his dismissal in March. Ryan subsequently struck a deal with CBS while leaving the door open for a return to the NFL in the proper circumstances.

After the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles tear in Week 1, Ryan was identified as one of the experienced quarterbacks who approached New York about a short-term deal. Ryan contested this, and he stayed out of the game (as a player) for the duration of the campaign. Now, he can concentrate on his broadcasting duties while reflecting on his successful stint in the league.