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Atlanta Falcons all-time Mount Rushmore

By Russell S. Baxter

Atlanta Facons linebacker Tommy Nobis during a 1973 game at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bob Verlin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Atlanta Facons linebacker Tommy Nobis during a 1973 game at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bob Verlin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons scrambles in the first half of an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons scrambles in the first half of an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons Mount Rushmore: QB Matt Ryan

The first overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft was University of Michigan tackle Jake long. However, the first quarterback selected that year was Boston College University standout Matt Ryan. It’s safe to say that 12-year veteran has enjoyed a very successful career to date, although the critics would cite the team’s postseason record and Ryan’s early playoff failure with the franchise.

Now 12 seasons into his NFL career, the talented performer has worked his way up the all-time passing charts. The 35-year-old signal-caller ranks 11th in league annals with 321 touchdown tosses and 10th with 51,186 yards through the air.

In 2016, he enjoyed a magnificent season in which he connected on 69.9 percent of his passes and came up with career highs in passing yards (4,944) and touchdown throws while tying his personal-best mark with only seven interceptions. Ryan was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player and he and the team reached Super Bowl LI.

Steve Bartkowski (1975) and Michael Vick (2001) were both the first overall selections in their respective drafts and both made their mark with the franchise. But Ryan, a four-time Pro Bowler who has missed only three games in 12 seasons, has been just a bit better and who knows how the story will end.

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