For his leadership on and off the field, the Atlanta Falcons nominated quarterback Matt Ryan as the team nominee for 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year.
A first time nominee for Man of the Year, Ryan has been an advocate for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta since he was drafted by the Falcons in 2008. Ryan most recently voiced his support on Sunday by wearing CHOA themed cleats for the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign where players were allowed to wear designed cleats that support a cause they're passionate about.
“I feel really honored to be named that for our team and it means a lot to me because I feel like for Sarah (Ryan) and myself, giving back and helping out in the community, especially with our affiliation with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is important,” Ryan said. “We’re very fortunate to be in a position that we’re in. I just feel like it’s really important to be able to give back and to be recognized for that is very nice.”
Over the past six years, Ryan’s two fundraising events the “Matt Ryan Celebrity-Am Golf Tournament” and “Dinner for Two with No. 2” have raised nearly $1 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
In nine seasons, Ryan has thrown for 36,570 yards and 229 touchdowns. Ryan currently ranks second in the League behind the Saints’ Drew Brees with 3,813 passing yards.
In 2015, the Falcons nominated fullback Patrick DiMarco for Man of the Year.
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