Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan's Biography

Matt Ryan, commonly known as “Matty Ice”, is one of professional football’s most enduring athletes, known for his ability to remain calm under pressure, thus earning him his popular nickname. He has enjoyed a fulfilling career in the National Football League (NFL), where he has served as the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback since being drafted by the team in 2008.

Matthew Thomas Ryan was born on May 17, 1985, in Exton, Pennsylvania. His childhood was marked by open encouragement towards sports, with his parents, Mike and Bernie Ryan, molding him into an athlete from an early age. His three siblings- Motts, Kate, and John were also supportive, creating a competitive yet nurturing environment at home.

Ryan attended William Penn Charter High School, where he nurtured his talents by playing three sports- football, basketball, and baseball. Though he was proficient in all, it was clear that football was his prime passion, leading his school team as the quarterback. Ryan’s college career began at Boston College, where he played from 2004 – 2007. Initially, he served as a backup during his freshman year but eventually earned his first starting position in the fifth game of his sophomore year. By 2007 his senior year, Ryan had won the Manning Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named the ACC Player of the Year, signaling to the NFL that a young prospect was rising.

In the 2008 NFL Draft, Ryan was drafted as the third overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons. His rookie year was phenomenal, as he led his team to a 11-5 finishing, getting named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. This marked the beginning of what would be a fulfilling career with the Falcons. In his third season, Ryan led the Falcons to an NFC-best 13-3 record, while in 2012, the team reached the NFC Championship game, though they lost out to the San Francisco 49ers.

However, his most remarkable season came in 2016, when he earned his first MVP honor and led the Falcons to the Super Bowl LI. The Falcons seemed to have victory within their grip, leading 28-3 in the third quarter, but the New England Patriots spearheaded a historic comeback, ending the game in a 34-28 overtime win. Despite the painful loss, Ryan made his mark as one of the game’s most dependable and proficient quarterbacks.

Ryan’s array of accolades is a testament to his enduring excellence in the league. In addition to his 2016 MVP honor, he’s a four-time Pro Bowl selectee (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016) and has been named to the First-team All-Pro in 2016. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his ability to remain calm even in the direst situations, has singled him out as one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL.

Off the field, Ryan is also celebrated for his charm and benevolence. His charitable organization, the Matt Ryan Foundation, contributes to several sectors, including children’s healthcare, education, and others. He’s also an advocate of cancer research and has contributed significantly to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

In 2011, Ryan married Sarah Marshall, a former Boston College basketball star. The couple has twin boys, Marshall and John, born in 2018. His family life remains as tight-knit and supportive as it was during his childhood, a testament to the close bonds that have contributed to his success on and off the field.

Throughout his career, Matt Ryan has remained a figure of stability and excellence in the NFL. His contributions to the Atlanta Falcons are written deep in the team’s history, and his influence continues to permeate through the younger generations of players. Even as he continues to age, his dedication to the sport remains consistent, proving that ‘Matty Ice’ still has much to offer in his NFL journey.