What It Means:

Ryan entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and immediately took a frustrated Falcons team to an 11-5 record as a rookie starter. The Boston College alum was voted to four Pro Bowls and won the MVP award for his sensational 2016 campaign. Those 2016 Falcons made it all the way to the Super Bowl that season, their second appearance there in franchise history. While the team was never able to quite replicate the success they found in that season, Ryan kept their offense competitive throughout his impressive career.

Ryan topped 4,000 passing yards in 8 straight seasons, averaging 4,570 yards and 28.1 touchdowns per campaign between 2011 and 2020. Ryan will be an interesting figure in Hall of Fame debates when he becomes eligible for nomination in five years' time.