Matt Ryan Shuts the Door on NFL Return, Says Colts Never Called
When the Indianapolis Colts added 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad following Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury, eyebrows were raised. Not just because of Rivers’ age, but because another veteran quarterback - Matt Ryan - was still out there, younger, more recently retired, and seemingly a more logical choice on paper. But as it turns out, the Colts didn’t just pass on Ryan - they never even picked up the phone.
Appearing on The Insiders with Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Ryan put any comeback speculation to bed. The former Falcons MVP made it clear: he’s not returning to the field. He’s fully focused on his role with The NFL Today on CBS, and that chapter of his career - the one that made him a franchise icon in Atlanta - is officially closed.
Ryan also revealed that the Colts never reached out to him, and in fact, he hasn’t gotten a single call from any NFL team since retiring after the 2023 season. That includes the New York Jets, despite rumors last year that they might have reached out after Aaron Rodgers went down. Ryan even joked about those reports, showing he’s more than comfortable in his new media role - and more than ready to poke fun at the rumor mill.
For Falcons fans, that should come as a bit of relief. Ryan is, without question, the greatest quarterback in franchise history.
And while the idea of a late-career comeback always sparks curiosity, it also carries the risk of tarnishing a legacy. That won’t be the case here.
Matty Ice is staying retired - and staying respected.
Now, comparing Ryan’s final seasons to Rivers’ helps explain why the Colts went in the direction they did. In Ryan’s last year with Indianapolis, he struggled.
He threw 13 interceptions in 12 starts, and the Colts stumbled to a 4-7-1 record before he was benched for sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger. It was a tough ending for a player who once lit up the league, and the signs of wear were hard to ignore.
Rivers, on the other hand, had a much stronger finish. In his lone season with the Colts in 2020, he led them to an 11-5 record and tossed 24 touchdowns.
Even at an advanced age, Rivers’ football IQ and quick release helped him stay effective. He didn’t look like a quarterback hanging on - he looked like one who still had something left.
It’s also worth noting that Rivers nearly made a surprise return in 2023. Had the 49ers reached the Super Bowl that year, they were reportedly ready to sign him, given the injuries that decimated their quarterback room. That deal never materialized, but it shows just how close Rivers was to suiting up again - and how NFL teams still saw value in his experience and leadership.
For the Colts, the Rivers move also makes sense from a coaching perspective. Head coach Shane Steichen worked with Rivers during his final season with the Chargers, and that familiarity can’t be overstated. Steichen also mentored current Colts quarterback Riley Leonard during the pre-draft process, so bringing in a veteran like Rivers - someone he knows and trusts - provides a steady presence in the quarterback room.
As for Ryan, he’s clearly embracing life after football. He even shared a story about throwing passes with Matthew Stafford while on vacation - and realizing just how much his arm isn’t what it used to be. That kind of self-awareness is rare, and it speaks to why Ryan is walking away with his legacy intact.
He may not be on the field anymore, but Falcons fans can still catch him every week on their screens, breaking down games with the same poise and insight he once showed under center. Matty Ice isn’t coming back - but he’s not going anywhere, either.