3 Reasons Why Matt Ryan should be a Hall of Famer
With the Indianapolis Colts releasing long-time NFL signal-caller Matt Ryan after just one disappointing season, Ryan's career could be coming to a close. The question that most fans, analysts, and insiders alike have when a good player retires is whether that player is a future Hall of Famer or not.
With Matt Ryan, it is a very curious case. The former MVP put up prolific numbers, especially during his 14 seasons in Atlanta. However, he doesn't have a Super Bowl ring to show for it. Are his great numbers good enough to get him into Canton? Let's take a closer look.
Ryan's Historic Arm
To say Matt Ryan made a career with his right arm is a bit of an understatement. According to Pro Football Reference, the 4-time Pro-Bowler ranks 7th all-time in career passing yards (62,792). He sits at No. 5 all-time in passes completed with 5,551. Additionally, he is 9th all-time in passing touchdowns with a career mark of 381.
The former Boston College star threw for over 4,000 passing yards in 10 of his 14 career seasons in Atlanta. He has an NFL record for the most consecutive 200-yard performances in NFL history (64). He is one of the most accomplished throwers in football in the long history of the National Football League.
Matt Ryan's All-Time Awards
Ryan's career portfolio, aside from the numbers, is incredibly impressive. Again, he is a 4-time Pro-Bowler and former league MVP (2016-17). On separate occasions, he has also led the NFL in passer rating (2016) and completion percentage (2012). Ryan is also a former Rookie of the Year (2008) and former Offensive Player of the Year (2016).
Despite a forgetful 2022 season with the Colts, Matt Ryan has had a historic career. He is the Falcons' all-time leading passer in attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns, passer rating, and 300-yard games. If you are arguably the best player in the history of the franchise, Canton should be within your grasp. That is exactly the case for Matt Ryan.
No Super Bowl Doesn't Mean No Hall of Fame
Despite not having a Super Bowl ring on his shelf, Ryan still has a good shot at the Hall of Fame. Aside from his Hall of Fame numbers, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has a history of welcoming in quarterbacks who lack a Super Bowl ring.
The likes of Fran Tarkenton, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Warren Moon are all notable quarterbacks who have bronze busts in Canton, OH. Matt Ryan has more passing yards and a better passer rating than all three of them.
Ryan has great all-time numbers on his side. There is no question about that. Additionally, he has history on his side when it comes to similar quarterbacks making the Hall of Fame without a Super Bowl ring. Is Ryan deserving of the Hall of Fame? Yes, he undoubtedly is.