LOOK: Matt Ryan makes appearance at Falcons training camp
The Atlanta Falcons had a special visitor in attendance as they went through their third training camp practice on Sunday morning. Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan brought his sons down to the Flowery Branch facility to get a closer look at this year's team.
Ryan, who started for Atlanta from 2008 to 2021, has made the transition to television analyst following his retirement. The former league MVP met with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over the offseason to pass along some wisdom.
Penix, who is entering his first full season as the Falcons' starting QB, said he received advice on how to plan for the offseason from Ryan. Since the team has not made the playoffs since Ryan was still playing for Atlanta, having him back around couldn't hurt.
During his 14-year run with the Falcons, Ryan passed for 59,735 yards, 367 touchdowns and 170 interceptions. The former third overall pick made four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro team, and was the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Penix started the final three games of the 2024 season in relief of Kirk Cousins, passing for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for a score on the ground during his impressive 312-yard, three-touchdown performance in the season finale.
The future looks bright with Penix under center as the team attempts to finally snap its seven-year playoff drought in 2025.
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