Falcons HC Raheem Morris leaves former MVP QB Matt Ryan speechless with special surprise
Longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan thought he was returning to Flowery Branch, GA just to give a speech to his former team. But the Falcons had something else in store for him. After wrapping up his speech, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said, 'We've got one more thing, bro" as the projector behind them switched […]
Longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan thought he was returning to Flowery Branch, GA just to give a speech to his former team.
But the Falcons had something else in store for him.
After wrapping up his speech, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said, 'We've got one more thing, bro" as the projector behind them switched from Ryan to a photo of the "Ring of Honor" logo.
"You know, this guy is the best Falcons of all time," Morris said as every Falcons player stood up to clap. "And it is my f—— pleasure to put this man in the Ring of f—– Honor."
Ryan was left speechless.
"I've got nothing to respond to," Ryan said.
Ryan, known as Matty Ice by many Atlanta fans, was the Falcons' No. 3 overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft.
It didn't take Ryan long to become the face of the franchise after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowl nods, and five playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl run.
It was during that 2016 Super Bowl run when Ryan logged his best season and was crowned MVP after tossing career-highs of 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.
Following a one-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts, Ryan officially retired as an Atlanta Falcon in April after throwing for 62,792 total passing yards and 381 touchdowns through 234 career games.
The NFL Hall of Fame is Next for Matt Ryan
He currently holds the Falcosn franchise records for career passing yards (59,735), passing touchdowns (367), and passer rating (94.6).
In addition to Ryan, the Falcons will also induct owner Arthur Blank into their prestigious Ring of Honor.
"On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons, it is a privilege to recognize two of our franchise icons as they enter our Ring of Honor," Falcons president Greg Beadles said in a statement. "Since Arthur purchased the team in 2002, results on and off the field have elevated, and his unwavering dedication to the fans and city of Atlanta is worthy of this recognition and so much more.
"Matt's character and talent on and off the field sets him apart as one of the greatest Falcons players ever, and we believe we'll see his career recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future."
Blank will officially be inducted on Sept. 22 when Atlanta takes on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 at home. Meanwhile, Ryan will be honored on Oct. 3, when the Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 in primetime.
