Matt Ryan Returns to Falcons in a New Role - and a New Challenge
Matt Ryan is back in Atlanta, but this time, he’s trading shoulder pads for a suit. The longtime Falcons quarterback has taken over as the team’s new president of football operations, stepping into a front office role despite having no prior executive experience. But don’t mistake that for a lack of preparation.
Ryan’s case is a fascinating one. Few players have had the kind of inside access to the inner workings of a franchise that a franchise quarterback does - especially one who spent over a decade leading the same team. From game-planning meetings to midseason course corrections, Ryan was often in the room where decisions were made, even if he wasn’t the one making them.
“When you’re the quarterback of an organization for a long time, you end up having a lot of those conversations with the head coach and front office,” Ryan said. “It’s different from other players. I’ve been in those meetings, talking through what’s going on with the team, what changes might need to happen, and how to pivot during a season.”
That kind of exposure has given Ryan a unique lens through which to view team building. He’s seen how decisions are made, how plans shift, and what it takes to keep a locker room aligned - and he believes that experience will translate to the front office.
Ryan made it clear he’s not stepping into the role with all the answers. He knows there’s a learning curve ahead. But he’s already tapped into his network across the league - former players, executives, coaches, and GMs - to help guide him through the transition.
“I’ve got a lot to earn - there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “But I’ve talked to a lot of people who’ve made this jump.
I’m able to multitask, I can keep calm when there’s noise in the background. I think that’s going to help me.
And I’ve got strong relationships both inside and outside the building that I’ll be leaning on.”
There’s no blueprint for a former MVP stepping into a team president role. But if Ryan can bring the same poise, preparation, and leadership that defined his playing career, the Falcons might have found a fresh voice to help steer the organization forward.
Packers’ Zach Tom Opts for Surgery, Eyes Return by Training Camp
Green Bay’s playoff push will go on without one of its most reliable linemen. Offensive tackle Zach Tom has decided to undergo surgery, a move he called “one of the hardest decisions” he’s ever made.
Tom had been trying to gut it out, but ultimately, he knew he wasn’t in a position to help the team at the level they needed.
“You want to be out there in the playoffs - that’s when everything’s on the line,” Tom said. “But I just don’t think I could go out there and help the team the way I wanted to.”
Now, the focus shifts to recovery and getting right for next season. Tom’s goal is to be ready for training camp, and getting the procedure done quickly gives him the best shot at hitting that timeline.
“I just want to get it out of the way, get it over with, and move on,” he added.
For a Packers offensive line that’s been through its share of shuffling, Tom’s return in 2026 will be key to maintaining continuity and protecting whoever lines up under center.
Panthers Encouraged by Jonathon Brooks’ Recovery, Preach Patience with Young Talent
There hasn’t been much to cheer about in Carolina this season, but inside the building, there’s a quiet optimism building around running back Jonathon Brooks.
The rookie is working his way back from a second torn ACL, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him in the facility. Panthers GM Dan Morgan lit up when talking about Brooks’ progress.
“He’s been through so much adversity, and he’s overcoming it,” Morgan said. “He’s looking great.
He’s running really well. I saw him running routes the other day - he looked great.”
Brooks only appeared in three games this season before the injury, but the team remains high on his potential. Morgan praised his attitude, his work ethic, and the way he’s attacked the rehab process.
“It’s not easy,” Morgan said. “But he’s done great at it. We’ll take it week by week, month by month, but he’s headed in a good direction.”
As for second-year players Xavier Legette and Trevin Wallace, Morgan’s message was clear: pump the brakes on the criticism and let these guys grow.
“I feel good about them,” Morgan said. “We’re all so quick to judge.
Maybe they’re not developing as fast as people want, but you’ve got to be patient. Let them grow.”
Wallace is still just 22 years old, and Morgan pointed out that Legette didn’t truly break out until his senior year at South Carolina. The Panthers are playing the long game with both players, hoping that a little patience now will pay off in the seasons to come.
In a year filled with growing pains, Carolina is banking on internal development - and a few key recoveries - to help turn the tide.