January 14, 2026
Photo & Article by Allison Smith
The introductory press conference begins with the seating of President and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, President of Football, Matt Ryan, and Owner, Arthur Blank.
Blank begins by waving and speaking to the Ryan family. Ryan’s wife, Sarah, is seated apparently front row to the left of the stage. She is there with twins, Johnny and Marshall, and youngest son Cal who has been quite active checking everything out before the presser began and insisting to find out what was behind the Falcon curtain. All 3 boys are in the #2 Falcon jerseys.
Blank begins by addressing the family, “You weren’t here 20 years ago were you?” The boys apparently shook their heads “no.” Blank also thanked everyone for attending.
Blank praised Ryan (still addressing the boys), noting that “Matt lead us to the best 14 years of our franchise, both on and off the field” and has done an incredible job on CBS for 3 years. Now he is back here for the next 14 years.
“We are thrilled, could not be happier to have Matt back” noted Blank. He described Ryan’s role as everything between football and grass. Blank said that Ryan’s success and leadership over all this time makes him the perfect choice. Five individuals were interviewed for this role, all really good candidates, and the decision was Matt Ryan.
Back to focusing on the boys, Blank said, “This is the 3rd time I have talked about your dad in this situation, when we drafted him, when dad retired as a Falcon, and when he was inducted into our Ring of Honor. He has been a special player, leader and couldn’t represent the team and the NFL better.” Blank recalled a recent conversation with NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, and Goodell agreed that you “Can’t find a better man and leader for a franchise.”
After Ryan signed his contract early on Saturday morning, he lead all coaching interviews and will be involved in all Head Coach and General Manager searches/interviews as the Falcons go forward.
Greg Beadles spoke and was grateful to Blank and is happy to continue to serve this team and community and city. Beadles has been in many roles over the years and has learned allot from folks inside and outside the building. Beadles has known Ryan since Ryan was drafted in 2008, he is one of the Legends and is always trying to pull them into the building as much as possible.
Beadles feels like he and Ryan are going to have a partnership. They lined up and interviewed 5 candidates, selected Ryan and Beadles noted, “Matt is a tenacious negotiator and happy to have him here.” Then threw him into the fire with 6 Head Coaching interviews in 3 days, many on Saturday. Watching Ryan lead the interviews was super encouraging, jumping right in and being prepared. There are more interviews scheduled this week, within the allotted interview time frame per NFL rules. There have not been any General Manager interviews yet, but those will take place soon, likely concurrent searches.
Then, the man of the hour spoke. Matt Ryan first thanked “Arthur for this opportunity.” And shook his hand. Ryan laughed as he started a stat, “I should have looked into this before saying it, but I think I am the first player you have signed to 5 different contracts.” Ryan is “so excited to be back as a part of this organization.” When he was drafted in 2008, he had only been to Atlanta twice in his life. He was recruited by Georgia Tech, then played against GT as the Boston College quarterback. So when drafted, he didn’t really know anything about Atlanta and “now it is home.” “The people, the fans, this organization have made it home.”
Ryan said it is incredible to be a part of this organization, in a different role. “I am sitting at the same table but the seat has changed and that makes it comfortable.” Ryan has known Beadle, Josh Blank (middle son of Arthur Blank) and Rustin….all who are on the search committee….for years. “That makes it easier, signing my contract, then 2 hours later being in interviews is uncomfortable, but having previous professional and personal relationship with the others involved in this process makes it easier.”
Ryan’s mission since he was drafted was to help the organization do everything he could do to be a champion. “There is a sense of unfinished business. We have been close and have had some success here and there. I truly believe we are going to get there.” Ryan has faith that with the people currently in the building and that they will be bringing in, the Falcons are going to get there.
Ryan spoke out to his former teammates, thanking so many that have reached out in the last couple of days. “Love you and appreciate how excited you are. Cant wait to get you back in the building to bring that energy of former players.” Ryan noted how much it meant to him sitting there on the bench or in a meeting room and seeing former guys come back. “This is going to be an important part of my time here.” Noting that these players paved the way for what is here now and is looking forward to them being a strong part of who we are.
Then Ryan spoke to his family, “To my family, my twins are 7, they claim to remember me on the field, but think more on the iPad. But for these guys to grow up around this building is really exciting.” Cal is just happy there are Gatorade bottles everywhere for him to slug down. And, “Sarah, I would not be the player I was without her. And the last few years with CBS – traveling – incredible support, incredible mother and wife. She is the reason I can do this.” Ryan knows this is going to be a big commitment, “and she is the only person I could do this with.”
Ryan ended with “Can’t wait to get started.”
Blank called back before the question and answer portion, he thanked CBS for being very collaborative and allowing them to talk to Ryan.
Q&A Recap can be found at Ice Intro – Q&A.
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