Matt Ryan's rookie season

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan's rookie season

A look at Falcons QB Matt Ryan's first NFL season.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (left) leads the offense onto the field in the Georgia Dome for his first regular-season game as a pro on Sept. 7. Take a look at the rookie's year so far through the lenses of the AJC's Curtis Compton and Pouya Dianat.

Ryan arrives in Falcons owner Arthur Blank's personal jet at the Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville after the team picked the Boston College star No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26. Ryan was headed to his new team's headquarters in Flowery Branch.

Ryan and offensive tackle Sam Baker were both drafted by the Falcons in the offseason. Both have had a big impact, though Baker is now out with an injury.

Fans swarm Ryan during training camp on July 26 in Flowery Branch.

Ryan encourages his offensive lineman on the sidelines between series during an August 22 preseason game against the Titans in the Georgia Dome.

NFL cameras are trained on Ryan as he loosens up for his first regular-season game on Sept. 7.

Ryan threw a touchdown on his first NFL pass attempt, connecting with Michael Jenkins on a 62-yard play in the first quarter against the Lions.

Ryan celebrates after leading the Falcons to a 34-21 victory over the Lions in the opener.

A rookie QB endures painful lessons at times and the Bucs tested Ryan on Sept. 14. Teammate Justin Blalock (63) leans over to assist Ryan after a hard hit.

Showing poise, Ryan runs for a first down against the Chiefs on Sept. 21.

Ryan meets his childhood idol, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, at midfield after Atlanta's 27-14 loss in Philadelphia on Oct. 26. Ryan grew up in the Philly area and admired McNabb.

Ryan had a crucial first down run late in the game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 14.

Though known as Matty Ice, Ryan has no trouble showing intensity on the field.

One of the more dramatic plays of the season came in the playoff-clinching win at Minnesota on Dec. 21. Forced to scramble, Ryan tried to leap over Vikings defenders at the goal line. He fumbled, but Atlanta recovered in the end zone to score a touchdown.

Ryan can't help but smile after leading the Falcons to a 24-17 win over the Vikings, clinching the team's first playoff berth since 2004. On Tuesday, Ryan was named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year by the AP.

1/16

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (left) leads the offense onto the field in the Georgia Dome for his first regular-season game as a pro on Sept. 7. Take a look at the rookie's year so far through the lenses of the AJC's Curtis Compton and Pouya Dianat.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Salem Campground Covington

PHOTOS: See the 'Places in Peril' across Georgia for 2026

Autotrader 400

PHOTOS: Tyler Reddick wins again at Autotrader 400

Allyson Phillips (center), Laken Riley’s mother, prays at UGA’s Tate Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during a memorial service for her daughter. Riley was attacked on Feb. 22, 2024 while running in Oconee Forest Park on the UGA campus and killed. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Hundreds honor Laken Riley with 5K, memorial on UGA campus

Region 5AA Championship : Holy Innocents vs. KIPP Atlanta

PHOTOS: Holy Innocents’ wins Region 5AA championship in basketball

More Galleries

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

PHOTOS: Falcons fall again Sunday, this time to Seahawks

Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers

PHOTOS: Panthers defeat Falcons in overtime

APTOPIX Falcons Colts Football

PHOTOS: Falcons work overtime in Germany before losing

Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins

PHOTOS: Falcons fall at home to Dolphins