Former Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan quarterback officially announces retirement at 39

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) works in ther pocket against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in New Orleans.

Derick Hingle / AP Photo

 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.”