Matthew Thomas Ryan is a former professional football player from Exton, Pennsylvania. He was a quarterback for 15 seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the Atlanta Falcons. Nicknamed “Matty Ice” Ryan ranks among the league’s all-time top ten in pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

Ryan went to William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia where he was a three-year starter and earned All-East honors from Larunt Lemming Prep Football Report. He captured All-Southeastern Pennsylvania accolades as a senior quarterback in addition to receiving All-City first-team honors in 2002 and second-team recognition in 2001. A three-time All-league selection, he threw for more than 2000 yards with 19 touchdowns as a senior, finishing his career by completing more than 52 percent of his pass attempts during all three seasons at the helm.

Ryan played football, basketball, and baseball while in high school and was named captain of all three teams in his senior year. He was quarterback of the football team in 2002, played small forward on the basketball team, and was a pitcher and shortstop on the baseball team.

Ryan played college football for the Boston College Eagles, winning the Petyon Manning and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards as a senior, and was selected by the Falcons third overall in the 2008 NFL draft.

Ryan immediately made an impact by taking the Atlanta Falcons to the playoffs in his first season, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year. During his tenure, he led the team to six playoff appearances and three division titles, while receiving four Pro Bowl selections. His most successful season was in 2016 when he was named the NFL Most Valuable (MVP) and led the Falcons to an appearance in Super Bowl. In his final season, Ryan played for the Indianapolis Colts.

Since retiring, he has served as an analyst for CBS Sports.