FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons president of football Matt Ryan has been a frequent, visible presence at voluntary OTAs, drawing positive remarks from players and coaches for his hands-on approach.
During Wednesday’s practice, Drake London caught a touch pass thrown not by recent additions Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr., but by Ryan. Tagovailoa, who signed with Atlanta after his release from Miami, said Ryan has attended every practice and has popped into the quarterback room multiple times this spring. Penix is coming off surgery to repair his left ACL.
Ryan was hired in January to oversee the hiring of a new coach and general manager. Ian Cunningham was later hired as general manager, and owner Arthur Blank said coach Kevin Stefanski and Cunningham report directly to Ryan while retaining final say in their respective areas. Stefanski praised Ryan’s involvement, saying the former quarterback helps players daily and offers a unique perspective because of his history with the franchise.
Players described tangible benefits from Ryan’s presence. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. said Ryan has taken on a protective, mentoring role from his front-office position, while wide receiver Jahan Dotson noted Ryan is often the ‘first one up’ when an extra arm is needed for drills and called him a great resource for young players.
Ryan spent 14 seasons as the Falcons’ franchise quarterback before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. He won NFL MVP in 2016, led Atlanta to the Super Bowl that season, owns every Falcons passing record, was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and signed a one-day contract to retire as a Falcon in 2024. The team has also shared footage of Ryan addressing rookies about life in the NFL and living in Atlanta, an example Stefanski cited as another advantage of Ryan’s return to the organization.
