Matt Ryan Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Former MVP returns to Falcons training camp

Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan was back at Atlanta Falcons training camp on Friday for the first time since he left the franchise over 16 months ago.

"Matty Ice" was selected by the Falcons out of Boston College with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and he put together a legendary career with the franchise that resulted in an interesting Pro Football Hall of Fame case. Though Ryan may fall short of enshrinement into Canton, OH., he'll surely make it into Atlanta's Ring of Honor eventually.

In 14 seasons with the organization from 2008-2021, the 38-year-old was a four-time Pro Bowler, one-time First Team All-Pro and won both the 2008 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and the 2016 AP MVP. Ryan nearly brought the Falcons their first championship at the end of his MVP campaign, but Atlanta infamously blew a 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots and fell 34-28 in an overtime classic in Super Bowl LI.

The former Exton, PA. native was shockingly traded to the Indianapolis Colts in March 2022 and his lone season with the AFC South club was a disaster. Ryan was limited to 12 games due to injury and multiple benchings, finished the season with the second-lowest passing yardage total (3,057) of his career, set a career-low in touchdown passes (14) and tossed 13 interceptions while posting a career-high 15 fumbles.

Ryan was released by the Colts in March and in May, he agreed to join CBS Sports as an NFL analyst this fall. Though he has a new off-the-field gig lined up, he hasn't officially retired as a player and has said he'd consider coming back.

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