When considering who the best Atlanta Falcons player of all time is, a small group of players immediately spring to mind.
Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Michael Vick.
But since Tommy Nobis, No. 60, is the only retired jersey in Atlanta currently, it is possible that none of the other players will see their jersey hanging in the rafters.
But the truth is that, given the length of his career, there might not be another Falcons player with the same influence as Ryan. Ryan played for the Falcons for 14 seasons before joining the Indianapolis Colts for the 2008 season. The Falcons drafted Ryan with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Having been handed the keys right away and starting all 16 games as a rookie, Ryan went on to play 234 games in his career (all starts), compiling a record of 124-109-1 with just three losses.
This might be a historic moment for the NFL in addition to being a wonderful time for the team when Ryan’s jersey is retired. Atlanta would be the first team to retire a No. 2 if it were to put up Ryan’s number.
In addition to his exceptional endurance, Ryan is the all-time passing yard leader and guided Atlanta to just its second Super Bowl participation (2016). He was also voted the team’s sole MVP that season.
When Ryan formally retires, there is no doubt he will be inducted into the team’s “Ring of Honor,” but it remains to be seen if a Falcons player will ever be able to don his renowned No. 2.
