Matt Ryan, the new president of football for the Atlanta Falcons, is actively involved in revitalizing the franchise. Ryan, a former Falcons quarterback, ranks above the new general manager, Ian Cunningham, and is also taking a surprisingly hands-on role with the offense during OTAs. According to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Ryan is even throwing passes to receivers during practice.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who joined the team in free agency, expressed his surprise and appreciation for Ryan’s involvement. Dotson said, “I honestly had no idea [he’d be doing that]. It is pretty cool. You get the legend of Atlanta to be out here and participating, throwing, catching passes from him, individual drills. 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.”
“He sat in those chairs where those guys sat. So, I think that’s really special.” – Kevin Stefanski
The Falcons roster includes four quarterbacks: Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian, and Jack Strand. A significant competition is expected between Penix and Tagovailoa during training camp. Penix, drafted in the first round of 2024, is recovering from an ACL injury which limits him to 7-on-7 drills for now.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski values Ryan’s contributions, saying, “Obviously, he helps me every day, helps our players. 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.”
The Falcons ended last season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Carolina Panthers won the NFC South. With the division expected to be competitive again this fall, Ryan’s strategic input aims to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the offseason.