FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Matt Ryan, perhaps the greatest quarterback in Atlanta Falcons history, officially retired from the NFL on Monday.

“It was a helluva ride,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to see what’s next. This next chapter of life and kind of see where that takes us. Today, it’s exciting for me because you never have control in this profession of where you’re going to start. I could not have been luckier, that it was a start here in Atlanta and it went for 14 years.”

Ryan, who didn’t play last season and started out on a career in broadcasting, made the announcement on social media.

Ryan signed a one-day deal with the Falcons to end his career where it started.

In a video message, Ryan said: “I’m honored to retire as a Falcon. Thank you to all the Falcons fans for your continued support. Through the highs and the lows, I always felt your energy and passion. I want you to know that every day I felt the responsibility to give you the best version of myself.”

Ryan, who was the third player taken overall in the 2008 NFL draft, is the winningest quarterback in franchise history, hold most of the passing records and took the team to the playoffs a record six times. He is one of two quarterbacks – Chris Chandler after the 1998 season – to take the team to the Super Bowl.

He’s the only player in franchise history to win the league most valuable player award.

Ryan had a 14-year run with the Falcons until he was traded to the Colts for a third-round pick over the 2022 offseason. He played a season for the Colts before being released.

After being released by the Colts, Ryan did not immediately retire because he wanted to keep playing. He was holding out hope that a team would call him last season. The Jets elected not enter the veteran free agent quarterback market after Aaron Rodgers was injured. The Browns played five different quarterbacks and turned to Joe Flacco, who was drafted the same year as Ryan, late in the season. Flacco helped to guide the Browns to the playoffs. The Colts also owed Ryan $12 million for the 2023 season.

“I had multiple conversations, but nothing that I wanted to do,” Ryan said.

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