How Old Is Matt Ryan: A Look at the Age of the Former Football Quarterback

You might ask how old is Matt Ryan when you watch him toss deep strikes. Fans scroll through passer rating lists and wonder about his years on the field. They spot his Matty Ice nickname and feel the itch to know his age.

He grew up in Exton, Pennsylvania, and shined at Boston College. He turned pro in 2008 with the Atlanta Falcons and later joined the Indianapolis Colts. You’ll get his exact birth date, age comparisons with Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers, and a look at his key records.

Read on.

Key Takeaways

• Matt Ryan was born on May 17, 1985, in Exton, Pennsylvania, and he turned 38 on May 17, 2023.
• He starred at Boston College from 2005 to 2007, won ACC Player of the Year in 2007, and the Atlanta Falcons picked him third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
• He threw for 62,792 career passing yards and 381 touchdowns, ranking 10th in NFL history, and he holds Falcons records with 59,735 yards and 364 TD passes.
• He announced his retirement on March 6, 2024, signed a one-day deal to retire with the Falcons, and now works as a commentator for CBS.

How Old Is Matt Ryan?

He turned 39 on May 17, 2023, yet he still throws bombs like he just left college. A stats site places him among veteran players from his draft year.

Exact age and birth date

Matthew Thomas Ryan was born on May 17, 1985, in Exton, Pennsylvania. This year he reached 38 years old. Fans still call him Matty Ice and praise his passing touchdowns. He sits among veterans like Joe Flacco and Dan Marino.

His career spans the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts. He led a run to Super Bowl LI and earned Pro Bowl nods.

Comparison to other quarterbacks of his era

Here is a quick look at how Matt Ryan stacks up with his peers.

Early Life

Matt Ryan grew up in a small Pennsylvania town, and he played for his prep program. He set passing yard records, and he honed his skills with game-tape study.

Birthplace and family background

Matthew Thomas Ryan came into the world on May 17, 1985, at Paoli Hospital in Exton, Pennsylvania. Exton lies in Chester County, just west of Philadelphia. His parents raised him in a tight-knit household that loved american football.

His calm, cool nature at home earned him the Matty Ice nickname before he even threw his first college pass at Boston College.

High school football achievements

Matt Ryan starred as an American football quarterback at Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia. He earned All-State honors for his passing yards and touchdown passes.

• He led his high school squad to a state championship game.
• Ranked among top Georgia passers in passing yards and completions.
• Recorded record-setting touchdown passes in key matchups.
• Earned team MVP and All-Region honors for his leadership.
• Drew major college interest, including a scholarship offer from Boston College.

College Career Highlights

He led his college squad to big numbers, racking up passing yards and grabbing the conference’s top performer nod in 2007. He snagged rookie-of-the-week honors from a soda brand, fired touchdown strikes like fireworks, and set the stage for his pro leap.

Timeline of his college football years

Matt Ryan joined Boston College in 2005. He redshirted that fall, studied the playbook, and spent extra hours in the film room.

1. 2005 redshirt season: Ryan worked on the scout team, memorized signals, built muscle in the weight room, and grasped coach Tom O’Brien’s spread offense.
2. 2006 starter debut: He started all 13 games, passed for 2,705 passing yards, threw 19 touchdown passes, earned multiple ACC Rookie of the Week nods, and led his team to an Atlantic Division crown.
3. 2007 breakout year: He threw for 3,440 passing yards, delivered 27 passing touchdowns, won ACC Player of the Year honors, and posted a passer rating north of 150.

Notable achievements and awards

College coaches named him ACC Player of the Year in 2007 at Boston College, after he threw 27 touchdown passes. Talent evaluators watched his arm strength, as he led his team to an 11-3 mark.

Falcons fans cheered his start in 2008, as he won Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week three times and claimed NFC Rookie of the Month in September. That year brought a franchise record with 4,944 passing yards and an NFL MVP trophy.

NFL Career Overview

He landed with the NFC South squad, as the third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, and seized control in his rookie season. He earned top marks in passing yards, shattered franchise records, and later zipped to the AFC South team in 2022.

Draft year and selection by the Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan hit the NFL in 2008, after the Falcons claimed him with the third pick. Atlanta moved up in the first round, trading extra picks to land the Boston College signal-caller.

Fans across the city buzzed at the bold choice, eager to see his arm in action.

He grinned under bright lights at Radio City Music Hall. His name soared through TV screens, ringing true for fans and scouts. That moment cemented his status as a top prospect in American football.

Key milestones with the Falcons

Falcons chose him third overall in 2008. He threw for 3,410 yards and ran 16 touchdowns as a rookie. Later campaigns brought his first Pro Bowl in 2010 with 4,177 passing yards. His 2012 playoff run earned a conference title game berth.

The 2016 campaign won league MVP honors, with 4,944 yards, 38 touchdown passes, and a 117.1 quarterback rating.

Franchise lore still holds his team totals: 36,638 passing yards and 282 touchdown passes. That effort included a trip to Super Bowl 51 against the New England squad. Fans still call him Matty Ice for cool fourth-quarter drives.

A 2022 one-day deal let him retire in Falcons red, a move he called a true honor.

Trade to the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts acquired Matt Ryan on March 21, 2022. Atlanta sent a 2022 third-round pick and a conditional 2023 fifth-round pick as trade compensation. That swap helped improve cap flexibility under salary cap rules.

Indianapolis gained a veteran leader to boost a young receiving corps. Pro Football Focus tracked his passer rating and praised his decision making. Analysts noted the deal gave the Colts a seasoned signal caller to guide their offense.

Career Achievements

He piled up passing yards, tossed touchdown passes, and still leads the Falcons’ franchise records. Flip ahead to see how he climbed the career leaderboards and left a mark on the league.

NFL records held by Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan rewrote how QBs fire the ball. Falcons fans still buzz about his arm.

• He sits 10th in NFL passing yards, amassing 62,792 during his pro career in American football.
• The total of 381 touchdown passes places him in an elite club alongside legends like Peyton Manning.

Falcons franchise records

He guided the NFL franchise from 2008 till 2021. Nicknames for the veteran, like Matty Ice, show his cool play.

• Career passing yards: Matt Ryan leads the Atlanta Falcons with 59,735 yards. That mark tops every signal caller in franchise history.
• Total touchdown passes: Matt Ryan threw 364 touchdown passes in Falcons colors. No other passer reached that figure.
• Total completions: Matt Ryan recorded 4,382 completions over his career. That beats all earlier quarterbacks in the club.
• Franchise starts: He began 209 games under center for the Dirty Birds. That number set a new team record.
• Single-season passing yards: Ryan piled up 4,944 yards in 2016. That season still stands as the best in team lore.
• Single-season touchdown passes: He posted 38 TD throws in 2016. That mark leads any year in franchise annals.
• Pro Bowl nods: He earned five Pro Bowl invites with the squad. He made teams in 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2019.

Appearances on leaderboards

He hit leaderboards often, readers.

Memorable Moments

He dialed up star receiver Julio Jones in the NFC Championship to help crush Green Bay, and the rest of his best moves lie just ahead—keep reading.

Key games and performances

Matt Ryan shone in big games across his career. He logged huge numbers and kept calm under bright lights.

• In his NFL debut in 2008 against the Miami Dolphins, Ryan threw for 154 passing yards and one touchdown pass and won Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week.
• During the 2012 NFC Divisional Round vs. Seattle, he lit up the Seahawks with 306 passing yards and two touchdown passes, though Atlanta falcons fell short.
• At age 30 in 2016, he dazzled versus Carolina with 503 passing yards and four touchdown passes, one of the rare 500-yard games in league lore.
• Matt threw for 284 yards and two touchdown passes in Super Bowl LI against New England, guiding Atlanta to a 28-3 lead before the game slipped into overtime.
• In 2018, he piled up 355 passing yards and four touchdown passes versus the Ravens, topping passer rating leaderboards that week.
• He set a falcons single-play mark in 2018 with a 93-yard strike to Julio Jones, the longest pass of his career.

Super Bowl LI appearance and impact

Ryan led the Atlanta Falcons on Feb 5, 2017 at Super Bowl LI. He threw for 284 yards and two passing touchdowns, keeping his cool under pressure. The Falcons built a 28-3 lead by the third quarter but lost 34-28 in overtime to a rival team.

That night shot his career passer rating to 144.1.

That game shaped his legacy. Fans still talk about the sudden collapse. He called the season a highlight of his career. That appearance put Matt Ryan (American Football) on NFL leaderboards for playoff passing yards.

Retirement

Ryan closed his storied career with a public announcement, then signed a one-day pact with his old NFL squad to bow out like a true Falcon—read on to see why he picked that perfect finish.

Announcement and reasons for retirement

Matt Ryan hung up his cleats in early 2024 after 15 seasons in American football. He chose to retire in an Atlanta Falcons jersey. He told fans he would retire as a Falcon before he returned to CBS.

He later signed a one-day contract with his old team. He joked, “My new playbook lives in the CBS studio.” He opted to keep his CBS chair, not chase fourth-quarter heroics.

When did Matt Ryan retire?

On March 6, 2024, Matt Ryan announced his retirement after 16 NFL seasons. His final year came with the Colts.

Five days later, he signed a one-day deal to retire with the Falcons. He tossed a final audible, this time for the CBS broadcast desk. Fans still talk about his 381 passing touchdowns and that Super Bowl LI run.

Signing a one-day contract with the Falcons

Matt Ryan signed a one-day contract with the Atlanta Falcons to retire with his longtime team. The former Atlanta star quarterback threw 381 touchdown passes and recorded 62,792 passing yards over his NFL career.

He joined CBS as a commentator after hanging up his cleats and has no plans to play for another team. Fans will always remember Matty Ice in red and black.

Personal Life

He juggles diapers and game film like a circus act, while strumming his guitar in Instagram Lives that fans adore. He then hits the turf at his Atlanta youth camp, coaching kids with the same fire he showed in Falcons games, so check out his latest Twitter snaps for more.

Family life and interests outside football

Matt Ryan lives in Atlanta with his wife, Sarah, and their three young sons. As a former Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts quarterback, he coaches youth American football teams on Saturdays.

The NFL veteran posts photos of family fishing trips at Lake Lanier. Fans join him at Matty Ice Foundation events that raise funds for kids.

He hits the golf course with friends in free time. Many see him at Atlanta Hawks home games. His Boston College Eagles pride shows on game days. Local camps invite him for talks on hard work.

Charitable work and community contributions

Off the field, Matt Ryan gives back with big heart. Fans see his passion shine beyond the gridiron.

1. Hosting a summer junior clinic in Atlanta, he teams with Falcons coaches to teach passing yards skills, routes, and team play.
2. The charity partners with Indianapolis Colts and local schools to supply gear, tech lab kits, and mentoring sessions.
3. Donations from online auctions and fundraiser nights fund new books, cleats, and volunteers in urban zones.
4. Matt Ryan pays for sports scholarships at Boston College, aiding student athletes chasing ACC player of the year dreams.
5. Annual hospital visits bring laughter, autographs, and a sideline thrill to young patients.
6. Charity drives span Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and Clemson, fueling classroom supplies and STEM workshops.
7. Jersey from Super Bowl LI goes to auction, fueling shelter programs for teens at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a burning question on Matty Ice’s age or his Hall of Fame chances? Our FAQ breaks down his yardage, championship runs, and even his social media feed.

How old is Matt Ryan?

Matt Ryan, born on May 17, 1985, turned 38 in 2023. He leads the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts as a seasoned quarterback.

He stands among the older names in american football, alongside Joe Flacco. Younger passers like Russell Wilson trail by three years. His career total surpassed multiple franchise records for passing touchdowns, and he still logs a solid passer rating.

Is Matt Ryan in the Hall of Fame?

His name does not sit on the Hall of Fame plaque. Quarterback Matt Ryan never earned that call, even after fourteen seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He closed his career with the Indianapolis Colts, but that run did not move the needle.

Fans rave about his 59,735 passing yards and 381 touchdown passes. Voters demand more than a single Super Bowl LI trip to earn induction.

His retirement in January 2024 triggers a five-year wait for Hall entry. Voters will weigh his franchise records, Pro Bowl nods and Matty Ice highlights. Some see him as a dark horse.

Others doubt he clears the ballot. His candidacy will emerge with the 2030 class.

How many Super Bowls has Matt Ryan played in?

Matt Ryan took the field in one Super Bowl. He led the Falcons to Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017. Falcons faced the Patriots in Houston. Ryan threw for 284 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one interception.

Crowds saw a wild comeback, as New England rallied from a 25-point hole in overtime. Ryan stood firm, but history favored the Patriots. That trip remains his lone Super Bowl appearance.

Social Media and Public Presence

Ryan tweets play-by-plays, team shout-outs, and behind-the-scenes snaps, with quips that crack you up. His Instagram reels serve locker-room banter, workout drills, and charity updates in crisp, candid shots.

Official Twitter account

Matt Ryan uses his official Twitter account to share behind-the-scenes clips. He posts game-day snaps with the Atlanta Falcons or the Indianapolis Colts. Fans spot nods to his Boston College days, and Matty Ice puns.

He engages with key receivers, and even tips his cap to legends such as Kurt Warner or Steve Young.

The feed feels like a live sidelines chat. Tweets link to interviews, charity events, and community meetups. Fans can follow to catch training reels, touchdown passes, and locker-room jokes.

He might post a college football flashback or share a Diet Pepsi toast. His voice stays friendly, fun, real.

Instagram highlights

His Instagram page shows game snippets and candid shots. Fans view top Matt Ryan plays from his Atlanta Falcons years. It also shares Colts action. The feed packs short video reels and gallery images.

Each story tag sorts posts by team and year. Tapping a cover image opens a quick clip. The tool uses markers and collection panels. Followers revisit passing yards feats and behind-the-scenes snaps.

Legacy in the NFL

He towers over the Falcons’ franchise records for passing yards and touchdown passes. Fans check a reference site for his stats and float his name for Hall of Fame honor.

Impact on the Falcons franchise

Matt Ryan threw for 51,351 yards and 346 passing touchdowns in 210 starts. He set franchise records in completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. He led the Atlanta Falcons to eight division crowns and a trip to Super Bowl LI.

He retired as a Falcon by signing a one-day contract in March 2024, a gesture that honored his long tenure.

His steady arm became a benchmark for Atlanta. Teammates describe him as a field general who lifted younger players. Fans still chant Matty Ice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The franchise built its offense around his skill set for over a decade.

Comparison with other legendary quarterbacks

Readers, check out this quick chart.

Takeaways

The veteran passer clocks in at 38 years old. He first saw light in May 1985. Boston College taught him grit. Georgia crowds cheered his rise. You can peek at his league profile or Wiki entry for more curious stats.

His arm still fires bullets downfield, even at 38.

FAQs

1. How old is Matt Ryan?

He turned 39 on May 17, 2024, marking his 39th lap around the sun.

2. When was Matthew Thomas Ryan born?

He was born on May 17, 1985, in Exton, Pennsylvania.

3. Which college did he attend?

He starred as a football player at Boston College, and won ACC Player of the Year honors in 2006.

4. Which NFL teams has he played for?

He spent 11 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, now nicknamed the Georgia raptors, then joined the Indianapolis Colts, or Hoosier steeds, and later had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints, or Bayou saints.

5. What are his key career stats?

He ranks high in franchise records for passing yards and passing touchdowns, he owns a strong passer rating, and he piled up over 60,000 yards and more than 350 touchdown passes in his run.

6. What honors has he collected?

He earned Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week and NFC Rookie of the Month awards, led his squad to Super Bowl LI, made multiple Pro Bowls, and still holds key franchise records.