FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — For the first time in 15 years, the Atlanta Falcons will induct two members into the Ring of Honor in the same season.
The Falcons announced Tuesday that Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank and former quarterback Matt Ryan have been chosen to join the organization's immortal ranks.
There hasn't been a two-person class since 2008, when Mike Kenn and Claude Humphrey were inducted. There hasn't been anyone nominated in general since 2022.
Currently, there are 12 members in the Falcons’ Ring of Honor, with offensive lineman Todd McClure earning the most recent honor. Blank and Ryan will bring the count to 14 once officially inducted.
"On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons, it is a privilege to recognize two of our franchise icons as they enter our Ring of Honor," Team President Greg Beadles said.
The Falcons will hold induction ceremonies for Blank and Ryan during separate games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season. Blank will be honored on Sept. 22 during the Week 3 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Ryan will receive his flowers on Oct. 3 during the Week 5 contest with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Blank acquired the Falcons in 2002 and ushered in an era of unprecedented success. Prior to Blank's arrival, the Falcons had never achieved back-to-back winning seasons, a feat they've achieved five times since. Under his leadership, the team has compiled a 178-176-1 regular-season record with eight playoff showings, including appearances in two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl.
"Since Arthur purchased the team in 2002, results on and off the field have elevated," Beadles said, "and his unwavering dedication to the fans and city of Atlanta is worthy of this recognition and so much more."
Ever since he co-founded The Home Depot, Blank has been an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He carried over his successful customer-first business model into the fan realm, always prioritizing those who support his entities. That has always been a non-negotiable for Blank, and it has paid off.
Thanks to his various works, Blank has received numerous national honors. "Forbes" named him one of the World’s Greatest Living Business Minds in 2017 and one of America’s Top 50 Givers in 2018. Blank was also "Sports Business Journal's" 2018 Sports Executive of the Year. Then, as recently as this past May, Blank earned the "Sports Business Journal's" Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Blank Family of Businesses includes three major branches. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation stands alone. AMB Sports and Entertainment then features the Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and PGA TOUR Superstore. There's also then AMB West, which has Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Paradise Valley Ranch and Dome Mountain Property.
While Blank's impact was made in a coat and tie, Ryan’s was made in the No. 2 jersey.
The Falcons picked Ryan with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, a decision that changed the course of the franchise for the next 14 years.
Ryan began his career as a starter immediately, rather a rarity at the time. He led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance as a rookie. He completed 61.1% of his passes for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a result, Ryan was voted The Associated Press' Offensive Rookie of the Year, becoming just the third quarterback to ever draw that honor at the time.
The success and accolades only continued from there.
Ryan powered the Falcons to another five postseason bids, including a Super Bowl berth in 2016. During that championship run, Ryan again pushed the Falcons to an 11-5 record after completing 69.9% of his passes for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns. He won the AP's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards and was named an AP first-team All-Pro member.
The 2021 season was Ryan's last in Atlanta. He had a 7-10 record, with 67% of his passes completed for 3,968 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Officially, Ryan retired as a Falcon on April 22, 2024, after signing a one-day contract. Looking at his entire career in Atlanta, he started in 222 of a possible 225 regular-season games with a 120-102 record. He completed 65.5% of his passes for 59,735 yards and 367 touchdowns, ending his career as the most accomplished quarterback in franchise history.
"Matt's character and talent on and off the field sets him apart as one of the greatest Falcons players ever," Beadles said, "and we believe we'll see his career recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future.
"We look forward to celebrating Arthur and Matt this fall and honoring their immeasurable impact on our franchise."
Blank, 81, is a native of Queens, New York. Ryan, 39, hails from Exton, Pennsylvania. Along with McClure, the other Ring of Honor inductees are running back William Andrews (2004), quarterback Steve Bartkowski ('04), linebacker Tommy Nobis, linebacker Jessie Tuggle ('04), center Jeff Van Note ('06), offensive lineman Mike Kenn ('08), defensive lineman Claude Humphrey ('08), defensive back Deion Sanders ('10), Gerald Riggs ('13), running back Warrick Dunn ('17) and wide receiver Roddy White ('19).
