Earlier this week, quarterback Matt Ryan agreed to a contract that will likely keep him off of the gridiron. Ryan will be serving as a studio and game analyst for the NFL on CBS this season.
The deal is not a retirement announcement, rather, it is his endeavor to stay involved in the world of football. He is not closing any doors regarding suiting up again, but is focused on making the most of this new opportunity.
“I’ve just learned – at least during my experience in the 15 years I’ve played – to just not shut any doors,” Ryan said during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I’m excited to kind of take this next step and to move forward, but at the same time, you never know what’s going to happen in this league. Anything could shake out, and so we’ll see what happens.”
Ryan’s role will include being situated in the broadcast booth for select matchups over the course of the 2023 regular season. He will also work from CBS Sports’ studios on shows such as The NFL Today, NFL Monday QB and That Other Pregame Show, while also providing content for CBS Sports Network. He has an idea of what the new role will comprise, as he spent time with The NFL Today following the regular season and thoroughly immersed himself in discussing the sport.
“I enjoyed being up there with those guys, getting to talk ball beforehand, talk through the show, get on-air and talk a little bit,” Ryan said. “I really enjoyed that aspect of it.”
Although he stated the “stars have to align” for him to make a NFL return, he will undoubtedly stay cognizant of everything occurring around the game both on and off the field.
“It’s a combination of doing some things and getting in the studio and doing some work there,” Ryan said of his role. “Just to really get a feel for how all of this operates and to learn from so many of the professionals that they have there. It seemed like a good fit, and I’m excited about that.”
Ryan most recently played for the Indianapolis Colts following a 14-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
