Falcons to add owner Blank, QB Ryan into ROH

The Atlanta Falcons will be adding former quarterback Matt Ryan and team owner and chairman Arthur Blank to their ring of honor during the 2024 season, it was announced Tuesday.

Ryan, who retired from the NFL in April, spent 14 seasons with the Falcons, taking them to Super Bowl LI. He set franchise records for career passing yards (59,735), passing touchdowns (367) and passer rating (94.6) while leading the Falcons to five postseason berths and a 120-102 regular-season record.

Blank has owned the team since 2002. Prior to his buying the team, the Falcons had never had back-to-back winning seasons. Under his ownership, Atlanta has a winning record (178-176-1) with eight playoff appearances, including two trips to the NFC Championship Game and one trip to the Super Bowl.

“On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons, it is a privilege to recognize two of our franchise icons as they enter our Ring of Honor,” Falcons president Greg Beadles said in a statement. “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.

“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.”

Blank will be honored Sept. 22 during the Falcons’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. Ryan’s ceremony will come Oct. 3, when the Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. Both are prime-time games.

Other members of the Falcons Ring of Honor are Steve Bartkowski, Deion Sanders, Warrick Dunn, William Andrews, Gerald Riggs, Jeff Van Note, Jessie Tuggle, Tommy Nobis, Todd McClure, Mike Kenn, Roddy White and Claude Humphrey.