Matt Ryan pens emotional goodbye note to Atlanta, calls move to Indianapolis ‘bittersweet’

Matt Ryan arrived in Atlanta in 2008 as a 22-year-old, fresh of out college rookie. He left the city this week as a 36-year-old former league MVP who is without question one of the greatest players in Falcons history, if not the greatest. 

A day after being formally introduced as the Colts‘ new quarterback, Ryan penned an emotional letter to the city of Atlanta. Among the people Ryan thanked in his letter included his family, Falcons’ fans, former teammates, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Atlanta team staff members. He also discussed his career and the feelings he has as he prepares to play for a new franchise. 

“With all of this, I have long thought and often said that I would retire as a Falcon,” Ryan said. “But the changes and growth continue. As excited as I am about this next step in my career, this is a bittersweet moment.” 

It’s clear that Falcons fans have left an indelible impact on Ryan, who led Atlanta to the playoffs six times that included the team’s 2016 Super Bowl run. While he acknowledged that there were disappointing moments throughout his time in Atlanta, Ryan said that he remained focused on embracing those challenges while helping deliver wins for the Falcons and their fan base. 

“You have made all of this worth it,” Ryan wrote to the fans, “and all of this means something more than what you could ever be reflected in a statistic. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I thank you, so sincerely, for the life you have given me all these seasons.” 

While he didn’t deliver a title to Atlanta, Ryan rewarded loyal Falcons fans with Hall of Fame level quarterback play while helping the franchise reach a level of consistency that did not previously exist. Founded in 1966, the Falcons had just 10 winning seasons before Ryan arrived in 2008. During Ryan’s time in Atlanta, the franchise posted seven winning seasons that included five straight winning campaigns from 2008-12. 

In Indianapolis, Ryan will try to win the championship that ultimately eluded him in Atlanta. And while he acknowledged that he is excited about his next chapter, Ryan will continue to hold onto the memories and experiences he had in Atlanta. 

“It seems impossible to sum up 14 years, and to adequately express my feelings about them,” Ryan said. “As much as I have learned about change, though, I know this: Nothing can change what this time has meant to me.”