With the Indianapolis Colts releasing long-time NFL quarterback Matt Ryan after just one disappointing season, Ryan’s career could be coming to a close. The question that most fans, analysts, and insiders alike have when a good player retires is whether that player is a future Hall of Famer or not. With Matt Ryan, it is a very curious case. The former MVP put up prolific numbers, especially during his 14 seasons in Atlanta. However, he doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring to show for it. Are his great numbers good enough to get him into Canton? In this article, we will take a closer look at three main points of how Matt Ryan’s historic arm, NFL records, and Super Bowl setbacks contribute to his potential Hall of Fame case.
Ryan’s Historic Arm
Matt Ryan has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league since he joined in 2008. Over his career, he has thrown for over 57,000 passing yards, which ranks him 10th all-time, and over 350 touchdowns ranking him 9th all-time. In addition, Ryan has had eight 4,000 yards seasons, further establishing his consistency and productivity.
NFL Records
Ryan also holds numerous NFL records. He is the fastest player in league history to reach 40,000 passing yards, achieving the mark in only 151 games. Furthermore, Ryan has the most passing touchdowns by a player in their first ten seasons with 260, surpassing Peyton Manning’s previous record of 244. It’s clear that while Ryan may not have a Super Bowl win, his individual achievements speak for themselves.
Super Bowl Setbacks
The major factor working against Ryan’s Hall of Fame case is the lack of a Super Bowl ring. In the 2016 season, Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons made it to Super Bowl LI, only to suffer a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots after holding a 28-3 lead. Although many great players never won a Super Bowl, it may be a sticking point for voters when deciding on Ryan’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame.
In conclusion, Matt Ryan has had a spectacular career, marred only by the lack of a Super Bowl victory. His impressive statistics and numerous records make a strong argument for his inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, the elusive ring might be the deciding factor when it comes to his final legacy.
