Matt Ryan, the former NFL MVP and CBS Sports Analyst, has been appointed as the President of Football for the Atlanta Falcons. This appointment marks a significant milestone in his career, as he transitions from a player to a leadership role within the organization. Ryan's appointment comes as a result of his exceptional performance during his 14-year career with the team, which included leading the Falcons to the postseason five times, two NFC Championship Games, and one Super Bowl appearance. He set numerous franchise records and consistently demonstrated his leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering drive to win.
Ryan's expertise extends beyond the field. He has been a student of the game, studying the league at both a micro and macro level as a game and studio analyst for CBS over the past three years. His experience in the media has provided him with a unique understanding of how sustainable, successful organizations are constructed and operated. Ryan's commitment to the success of the franchise remains unwavering, and he is eager to take on this new challenge.
As the President of Football, Ryan will oversee all aspects of the Falcons' football operations, reporting directly to Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank. He will collaborate with Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles to ensure the alignment of the entire business and football areas of the organization. The team is currently in the process of searching for a new head coach and general manager, both of whom will report to Ryan. His involvement in these searches will be immediate, as he aims to build a championship-caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans.
Ryan's impact extends beyond the field, as he was named the Falcons Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2016 for his community service activities. He developed a special bond with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, raising funds for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center through his celebrity-am golf tournament and other activities. Additionally, Ryan raised awareness for 'Miracle Babies' at Atlanta's Northside Hospital and the March of Dimes after his twin boys were born prematurely.
In 2020, Ryan and his wife, Sarah, launched ATL: Advance the Lives, a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating structural barriers to Black youth success and combating systemic barriers. Their efforts have resulted in raising $1.3 million through their initial GoFundMe campaign, and they continue to strive towards making a meaningful and sustainable impact on the community. Ryan and his family reside in metro Atlanta, and he is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the team's success and the community's well-being.
