Two of the Atlanta Falcons’ most influential key players in the team’s history are joining its highest honor.
Team owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank and former quarterback Matt Ryan will become the newest members of the Falcons Ring of Honor during the 2024 season, the Falcons announced today.
They will become the 13th and 14th members of the club’s ring of honor. Blank will be honored on September 22, during the Falcons’ week three game against the Kansas City Chiefs in front of a home crowd in Mercedes Benz Stadium. Ryan will be feted on October 3 during the Falcons’ week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, at the same stadium.
“Meant the world to me to be the QB of the Atlanta Falcons for 14 seasons,” Ryan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Honored and humbled to be inducted into the Ring Of Honor. Thank you to Mr. Blank and the entire organization. #Riseup”
“On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons, it is a privilege to recognize two of our franchise icons as they enter our Ring of Honor,” said Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles. “Since Arthur purchased the team in 2002, results on and off the field have elevated, and his unwavering dedication to the fans and city of Atlanta is worthy of this recognition and so much more.” Blank acquired the team in 2002, and since then the former Home Depot co-founder took the team to its first back-to-back winning seasons and a near Super Bowl victory in 2017.
The moment Arthur M. Blank found out he was entering the Ring of Honor 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2tMXPtC5fY
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 18, 2024
Credit: Atlanta Falcons/X
Meant the world to me to be the QB of the @AtlantaFalcons for 14 seasons. Honored and humbled to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. Thank you to Mr. Blank and the entire organization. #Riseup https://t.co/5aGiN7UjO2
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) June 18, 2024
Credit: Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan/X
He added this statement on Ryan. “Matt’s character and talent on and off the field sets him apart as one of the greatest Falcons players ever, and we believe we’ll see his career recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future. We look forward to celebrating Arthur and Matt this fall and honoring their immeasurable impact on our franchise.”
Ryan will be joining CBS Sports this fall as a football analyst for its NFL coverage.
When their induction to the Ring is complete, Ryan and Blank will join an elite group of former Falcons including Steve Bartkowski, Deion Sanders, Roddy White, Jessie Tuggle, Warrick Dunn, and Tommy Nobis.
By Brian Allen
Sports In The ATL