CBS Sports pundit shares emotional goodbye after refusing to follow Tom Brady’s lead in new role
Matt Ryan has bid farewell to his CBS Sports colleagues.
The former NFL quarterback turned analyst is heading back to the Atlanta Falcons to take on the role as their President of Football.
Speaking on CBS Sports’ pregame show on Sunday in what is his final season in the role, Ryan discussed what is in store for him.
“The good part is that we’re talking about them [the Falcons] at this time of the year,” Ryan said on Sunday on CBS.
“I think that’s the vision for where we want to be, You want to be in the mix in the playoffs and it’s been too long there.
“We’re going to work really hard and find the right people to get us back into that position and be successful. But, football is about the people.
“The building is about the people. There’s a lot of really good people in that building that are already there.
“It starts at the top with Arthur Blank and I’m fortunate to be in that position.
“I’m excited about that opportunity and I’m ready to get started.”
Ryan’s colleague Nate Burleson shared some kind words in response on behalf of the CBS team, saying: “Obviously, we want you to stick around here because you’re one hell of a talent.
“But it’s a position you have to take and we’re proud of you man. We’re looking forward to what you’re going to do in that building in your new position.”
Unlike Tom Brady, who remains as an analyst for FOX Sports despite becoming a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Ryan is giving up his role on national television to take up the role with the Falcons.
Falcons’ huge shakeup
Ryan spent 14 of his 15 years in the NFL under center for the Falcons, making $288 million in career earnings, where he became the franchise’s all-time passing yards and passing touchdowns leader.
The 2015 NFL MVP now makes his return to the A-town after four years.
His move comes amid an overhaul at the Falcons, including the firing of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot immediately following the conclusion of an 8-9 season that saw the players head for Cancun.
These series of changes were announced by owner Arthur Blank in a heartfelt open letter addressed to the fans on Monday.
The President of Football role is a brand new role created within the organization, with the new GM and head coach set to report to the newly-appointed Ryan, who will report directly to Blank.
Ryan’s appointment hasn’t gone down entirely well with the fans, who highlight the 40-year-old’s inexperience in such a major role within the organization.
Nonetheless, it was an opportunity that he simply couldn’t turn down.
“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” Ryan said on Saturday.
“While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home.
I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity. I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans.
My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.”
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