'Only Place I Wanted to Go': QB Matt Ryan on Trade from Falcons to Colts
The transition to the Indianapolis Colts came fast for Matt Ryan. But the one-time league MVP understands that change is a part of life.
"As I looked into it,'' Ryan said of his situation, "I knew there was only one spot I wanted to go to.''
The Colts this week held an introductory press conference for their new QB. Indianapolis acquired Ryan in a trade on Monday in a deal that sent a 2022 third-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons.
Ryan's 14-year tenure came to an abrupt end during the Falcons' failed pursuit of former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Atlanta was viewed as a leading candidate to land the three-time Pro Bowler until Watson waived his no-trade clause at the 11th hour in favor of the Cleveland Browns - and in favor of a gigantic new contract.
For Ryan, the decision to remain in Atlanta came down to a meeting he held with the Colts on Saturday night. Indianapolis execs sold Ryan due to their professionalism, commitment and empathy expressed following a week of uncertainty with the Falcons.
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"This time last week, we did not know how things were going to shake out," Ryan said. "I did not like anything that I heard. But I knew I had to decide on whether or not I wanted to stay. As I looked into it, I knew there was only one spot I wanted to go to.
"I am thankful for the belief from Mr. Chris [Ballard, the GM]. And I am thankful that the Falcons organization understood that I wanted to go in another direction."
Ryan said the recent success of Tom Brady, Payton Manning and Matthew Stafford played a substantial role in his decision to leave. The trio of quarterbacks underwent transitions after years of being the central figure of their respective organizations.
Brady and Stafford won a championship title during their first season with a new team. Manning added to his championship collection in 2016 with the Denver Broncos. Manning won his first in 2007 as a member of the Colts.
"In the back of my mind, that's what I was thinking about," Ryan said. "I knew that the roster the Colts talked about and the belief they had, the time was just right for me. It's bittersweet. I am thankful for my time in Atlanta. I am sad to see it end. But I am so excited to see what can happen here."
After the Falcons drafted him with the No. 3 overall pick in 2008, Ryan ended his career in Atlanta as the franchise leader for most passing yards (59,735) and touchdowns (367)while completing 65.5 percent of his pass attempts.
