Matt Ryan calls it a career. The quarterback officially announces his retirement

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Matt Ryan, who put up Hall of Fame-worthy numbers over his stellar career with the Atlanta Falcons but came up heartbreakingly shy of a Super Bowl championship, announced his retirement as a player Monday.

The decision was not a surprise, given the quarterback had not played since a single disappointing season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. He worked last season as an analyst for CBS, receiving a rousing ovation when he called a game in Atlanta.

“Ever since I can remember, all I ever wanted to do was play professional sports,” Ryan said in a video posted to his social media accounts. “The Atlanta Falcons gave me that chance.”

Ryan, who turns 39 next month, threw for 62,792 yards and 381 touchdowns over his 15-year career, spent mostly as the face of the Falcons during the most successful era in franchise history.