Matt Ryan’s New Role with the Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan, the newly appointed president of football for the Atlanta Falcons, is taking proactive steps to improve the team. As the top football executive, Ryan outranks the new general manager, Ian Cunningham. His involvement extends beyond administrative duties; Ryan is participating in on-field activities during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) by assisting with the offense. According to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Ryan is lending an additional arm for practice sessions, throwing to the receivers.

Wide receiver Jahan Dotson expressed surprise at Ryan’s on-field participation. “I honestly had no idea [he’d be doing that],” Dotson remarked. “It is honestly pretty cool. You get the legend of Atlanta to be out here and participating, throwing, catching passes from him, individual drills. So, it’s always fun. He’s a great guy. Real cool guy to pick his brain and just be around and learn the game from.”

Currently, the Falcons’ 90-man roster includes four quarterbacks: Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian, and Jack Strand. Penix and Tagovailoa are vying for the starting position during training camp. Penix, picked in the first round of the 2024 draft, is recovering from an ACL injury. While not cleared for full team drills, he is participating in 7-on-7 drills.

Ryan’s presence as a former 2016 NFL MVP is a significant asset, especially for the quarterback positioning process. New head coach Kevin Stefanski values Ryan’s contribution. “Obviously, he helps me every day, helps our players,” said Stefanski. “I think it’s such a unique history, both in the city and this building. He sat in those chairs where those guys sat. So, I think that’s really special when he can get in front of them and give them his perspective of things because it’s not many people that can do that, like Matt [has] been at the pinnacle of this profession and now is in a role where he’s helping guide this franchise.”

The Falcons concluded last season tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at an 8-9 record, falling short of the playoffs. The NFC South remains competitive, offering opportunities for improvement this fall. While Ryan won’t be playing, his expertise is making the team more competitive during the offseason.