Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan practices throwing earlier than a sport towards the Tennessee Titans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. Darron Cummings, Related Press
Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan will play his first prime time sport of the season on Thursday when his Indianapolis Colts tackle the Denver Broncos.
One of many speaking factors for commentators and followers can be Ryan’s huge transfer within the offseason. He was traded by the Atlanta Falcons to the Colts after 14 seasons and a Tremendous Bowl look.
Right here’s a have a look at how that commerce went down:
Why was Matt Ryan traded?
Ryan’s time with the Falcons got here to an finish largely due to his workforce’s pursuit of Deshaun Watson, in accordance with ESPN. As high officers courted the controversial quarterback, Ryan started making an exit plan.
“Ryan by no means has publicly expressed something greater than slight irritation about this,” the article stated.
However Ryan’s buddies and supporters have accomplished so on his behalf, noting that he didn’t need to be tossed apart. He had deep roots within the Atlanta group, and had hoped to play for the workforce for his full profession.
“No person desires to undergo that and really feel disrespected,” stated Todd McClure, a longtime buddy of Ryan’s and retired Falcon, to ESPN. “I really like my Falcons, however the best way that complete deal went down was a slap within the face.”
When was Matt Ryan traded?
Ryan was in the end traded in March, a couple of month earlier than the 2022 NFL draft. The Falcons acquired a third-round draft decide in alternate for the quarterback, which they used on linebacker DeAngelo Malone.
Ryan has acknowledged that he basically hand-picked his commerce vacation spot, after doing analysis into which groups have a legit likelihood to win the Tremendous Bowl.
“When the notion of a commerce lastly turned actual, Ryan sought to land someplace that may allow him to compete for a championship. After his personal exhaustive analysis — together with culling intel from former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning — there was only a singular reply in Ryan’s estimation: the Colts,” ESPN reported.
When will Matt Ryan retire?
After the commerce, the Colts restructured Ryan’s contract, however they didn't lengthen it. He’s at present below contract by means of 2023.
Ryan, who, at 37, is without doubt one of the oldest energetic NFL gamers, has stated he isn’t positive but when he’ll retire, and that he’ll play so long as his physique will permit him to.
“So long as I really feel good and really feel like I can play properly, I’m going to try to play,” he stated in March, in accordance with the Indy Star.
Ryan and the Colts are off to a 1-2-1 begin this season.