In a bittersweet moment for fans, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. The 38-year-old quarterback signed a one-day contract with the Falcons, ensuring he retires as a Falcon after spending all but one season of his professional career with the organization.

Ryan, who was drafted by the Falcons as the No. 3 overall pick in 2008, immediately made an impact as the team's starting quarterback. Throughout his 14 years with Atlanta, Ryan set numerous franchise passing records and became a beloved figure in the city.

Reflecting on his journey, Ryan expressed his gratitude for starting his career in Atlanta and acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the profession. He mentioned his excitement for the next chapter of his life and the opportunities that lie ahead.

During his rookie season, Ryan led the Falcons to a playoff appearance. Throughout his career, he started in 222 of a possible 225 regular-season games, amassing a winning record of 120-102. Ryan also made six playoff appearances with the Falcons and led the team to a Super Bowl in the 2016 season, albeit falling short to the New England Patriots.

Ryan's impact on the field can be seen in his record-breaking statistics. He is now the Falcons' all-time passing leader, having completed 5,242 passes out of 8,003 attempts for 59,735 yards, 367 touchdowns, and 170 interceptions. With an average of 269.1 passing yards per game, he holds the best average among players with at least 10 games played. Additionally, his completion rate of 65.5% ranks him among the highest in the league.

Throughout his career, Ryan earned numerous accolades, including the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008. In 2016, he was recognized as the AP's Offensive Player of the Year and was named the league's Most Valuable Player. Ryan also earned four Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Falcons.

The decision to retire was not easy for Ryan, as he admitted the disappointment of falling short of winning a Super Bowl. However, he remains resilient and focused on the future, referring to a Winston Churchill quote that emphasizes the importance of continuing to strive for success.

Atlanta Falcons team owner Arthur Blank lauded Ryan not only as an exceptional football player but also as an exceptional human being, husband, father, and friend. Blank expressed his honor in having Ryan end his career as a Falcon and praised his contributions to the franchise.

Ryan's tenure with the Falcons saw him work under three head coaches, including Mike Smith, Dan Quinn, and Arthur Smith. Ryan's final season in the NFL was with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, where he started 12 games before being replaced due to a shoulder injury. Despite the challenging season, Ryan expressed gratitude to the Colts organization for the opportunity to play.

Looking ahead, Ryan has already secured a new role as an NFL analyst for select games and shows on CBS Sports for the upcoming season. In an Instagram post, he made it clear that retirement does not mean the end of his involvement in football.

As Matt Ryan bids farewell to his illustrious playing career, Atlanta fans will always cherish his contributions to the Falcons. With a legacy defined by franchise records and his impact both on and off the field, Ryan's retirement marks the end of an era for the team and the beginning of a new chapter for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.