Matt Ryan Returns Home: Falcons Legend Joins Front Office

The Atlanta Falcons just made a move that proves sometimes the best person for the job has been there all along.

Matt Ryan, the most successful quarterback in franchise history, is returning to Atlanta as president of football. The 40-year-old will report directly to owner Arthur Blank and help lead the search for the team's next head coach and general manager.

Ryan spent 14 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Falcons after they drafted him third overall in 2008. He rewrote the team's record books with 59,735 passing yards, 367 touchdowns, and a legacy of leadership that earned him a spot in the franchise's Ring of Honor last October.

"Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he's done it again today," Ryan said. "While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I've always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home."

The timing couldn't be more significant. The Falcons parted ways with both their head coach and general manager this past Sunday, opening a new chapter for the franchise. Now Ryan will be fully involved in building the team's future leadership.

Owner Arthur Blank praised Ryan's football intelligence and unrelenting drive to win. "From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game," Blank said. He expressed full confidence that Ryan's understanding of today's NFL and deep knowledge of the organization will help deliver a championship to Atlanta.

Why This Inspires

Ryan's return shows that loyalty and excellence create lasting bonds. He could have stayed comfortable in broadcasting, but when his team needed leadership, he answered the call. His journey from drafted prospect to franchise legend to front office leader demonstrates how success isn't just about personal achievement but about lifting others along the way.

The move also signals hope for Falcons fans who watched Ryan battle for their team through 14 seasons. Now he'll use that same competitive fire to help build a winner from the executive suite.

Ryan thanked CBS Sports for three incredible years while making clear where his heart has always been. "I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans," he said. "My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed."

For a player who gave Atlanta everything on the field, this new chapter offers a chance to give even more.