After a fruitful 14-year tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan concluded his career on a negative note by enduring a wretched, terrible, and all-around unpleasant season with the Indianapolis Colts last year. At present, the 38-year-old quarterback has moved on to new endeavors.
He has a lot to offer regarding analysis and commentary on the game.
Having recently inked a contract with CBS to join their NFL broadcast team, Ryan is just one of many ex-players who have moved to television. Given his extensive experience in the industry, it's safe to assume that he will bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to his analysis and commentary.
Not too long ago, Tony Romo switched from quarterback to broadcaster and has already gained notoriety for his ability to anticipate plays before they occur.
Ryan is not entirely ruling out the possibility of continuing his NFL career. Ryan, already planning for his future beyond the sport, elaborated on his decision during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
During his appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Matt Ryan, the former quarterback for the Colts, analyzed his choice to leave playing and become an NFL analyst for CBS.
Not Impossible, Matt Ryan Believes That a Return To The NFL is Unlikely.
"I am uncertain. For this circumstance to occur, all the stars must align. Throughout my 15 years of playing, I have learned not to close any doors. That is the reasoning behind my decision. Although I am enthusiastic about taking the next step and moving forward, the unpredictable nature of this league means anything could happen. So, we will wait and see." — Matt Ryan via Sirius XM Radio (h/t NFL.com)
In their most dire moment of necessity, a team may seek out Ryan, a seasoned veteran, for assistance. For instance, if a top-performing team had a quarterback injury and lacked a qualified replacement, they could contact the former 2016 MVP.
Although Ryan possesses an impressive football intellect and a prolific track record, there must be a valid reason why he isn't donning a Colts jersey this season and why the team is investing their first-round pick in a quarterback. Ryan apparently lacked the strength in his throws during the previous year.
For more than ten years, he has been a reliable player in the NFL. However, due to age, Ryan's athleticism has declined significantly. While he could serve as a decent backup option, it would not be easy to justify reserving a roster spot for him beyond that.
A youthful squad led by a young quarterback may have considered Ryan for a mentoring position. Nevertheless, such a situation would probably have already occurred. Ryan's transition to television may be because no teams contacted him or the teams he was interested in did not reach out to him.
Furthermore, it should be remembered that Falcons alum Matt Ryan announced his new job in 'Tom Brady' Fashion on Monday. Ryan's decision to join CBS while continuing his career is similar to Tom Brady's move to Fox after retiring. Last year, Brady agreed to a $345 million, 10-year contract with Fox that would take effect upon his retirement. Although Brady retired earlier this season, he worked out an arrangement with Fox to delay his start until the 2024 season.
On social media, Ryan announced his intention to begin "this season," but the statement lacks clarity. He may join the studio during his team's bye week, or he may opt to call college games that do not conflict with his schedule. Despite his plans' ambiguity, Falcons supporters will soon spot a familiar face on television.