Great honor for quarterback Matt Ryan and team owner and chairman Arthur Blank. Both will be inducted into the “Ring of Honor” by the Falcons. The honors will take place in the fall.

Matt Ryan and Arthur Blank can look forward to a special honor. Both will be inducted into the Atlanta Falcons’ “Ring of Honor” this year.

Ryan played 14 years for the Falcons and took the franchise to the Super Bowl for the second time in history in 2017. However, Atlanta lost 28:34 in overtime against the New England Patriots. Their first Super Bowl appearance in 1998 was a failure, which is why the Falcons are still waiting for their first Super Bowl title.

Ryan was at the top of his game with the Falcons, especially in the early to mid-2010s, setting franchise records for career passing yards (59,735), passing touchdowns (367) and passer rating (94.6). In April, he decided to retire from the NFL.

Still on board, however, is team owner Arthur Blank, who has held the position since 2002. Under his leadership, Atlanta has a winning record (178-176-1) with eight playoff appearances, two NFC Championship Game appearances and one Super Bowl appearance. In the 20 years before he took over, the Falcons made the NFL playoffs just four times.

Falcons president honors Ryan and Blank

“On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons, it is a privilege to have two of our franchise icons join our Ring of Honor,” Falcons President Greg Beadles said in an official statement, explaining why Ryan and Blank are being honored.

“Matt’s character and talent on and off the field distinguish him as one of the greatest Falcons players of all time, and we think we will recognize his career in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future,” Beadles said in reference to Ryan.

He also praised Blank for the way the franchise has evolved since he took over. “Since Arthur purchased the team in 2002, the results on and off the field have increased, and his unwavering commitment to the fans and the city of Atlanta is worthy of this recognition and much more,” the president clarified.

Honors for Blank and Ryan in September and October

The exact dates for the honors have already been set. Blank’s turn will come on Sept. 22 during the Falcons’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs in week three. For Ryan, it’s Oct. 3 when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week five.

This will increase the Falcons’ Ring of Honor from twelve to 14 members. 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 are the ones who have joined the select circle so far.