The Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan parted ways on Monday after 14 seasons, with the veteran QB getting dealt to the Indianapolis Colts. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Ryan broke his silence on his departure from the Falcons, describing himself as having a “whirlwind of a week” leading up to the big trade. Via Stephen Holder, Ryan revealed that he only had one destination in mind when it became clear he was potentially leaving the Falcons.
"I knew I was going to have to make a decision if I wanted to stay. And if I made a move, there was only one place I wanted to go."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 22, 2022
Ryan said that he understands how the business side of football works, so there were no hard feelings between himself and the Falcons. He even credited the organization for acting with class and facilitating the deal he wanted. He spent 14 seasons with the franchise, and the veteran QB thanked them for “bending over backwards” to help him succeed. Ryan said that his choice came down to Indianapolis and Atlanta before a meeting with Indy's brass sold him on the move.
Ultimately, it came down to staying in Atlanta or coming to Indy, Ryan said. He had a really encouraging meeting with Chris Ballard, Frank Reich and Marcus Brady on Saturday night and THAT is what sold him, Ryan said.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 22, 2022
Ryan claimed that a meeting with Chris Ballard, Frank Reich, and Marcus Brady on Saturday night is what really pushed him towards Indy, describing their meeting as “encouraging.”
The 36-year-old has experienced many highs and lows with the Falcons, including an MVP season and a crushing Super Bowl defeat. He's moving on to the next chapter of his NFL career now that he's been traded to the Colts, but his final address to Falcons fans will have both sides feeling comfortable with the way they left things. He may not be a Falcon for life, but Atlanta will always hold a special place in Ryan's heart.
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