Falcons' Arthur Blank Praises Ex QB Ryan: 'We Love Matt!'
It's been a little over a year since the Atlanta Falcons traded longtime starting quarterback Matt Ryan.
Ryan's 14-year tenure as the Falcons starting quarterback, headlined by an MVP campaign in 2016, came to an end after Atlanta unsuccessfully pursued a trade for Deshaun Watson, who was ultimately dealt to the Cleveland Browns.
The run for Watson left a sour taste in Ryan's mouth, and he began to look for a new home, which he found in the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the bitter end of his tremendous run, Falcons owner Arthur Blank had nothing but compliments for the former franchise quarterback.
"Well, Matt is welcomed back into the organization. I had dinner with Matt sometime after the end of the season. I have six children, so I say Matt is like a seventh child to me, in some ways it's true," Blank said.
Ryan, 38, lasted just one season with the Colts and was benched midway through the season for second-year pro Sam Ehlinger. Ryan hasn't retired yet and remains a free agent, but also signed on with CBS Sports to be part of a broadcast booth this fall with Andrew Catalon and Tiki Barber, a role Blank thinks he'll excel in.
"We love Matt, I think he loves Atlanta, he loves the Falcons and I think when his playing career is over, whenever that officially becomes over, I think you'll see even more of him," Blank said. "We have a great relationship with him, and I wish him all the luck now with his new role with CBS, I think he'll do great at it."
Ryan has yet to officially retire, but when he does, it may result in a one-day contract where it all started ... with the Falcons.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here
