Matt Ryan used the year he unofficially retired to establish a broadcasting career.
Now that he’s officially retired, Ryan is receiving a lot of media attention.
Ryan will join the “NFL Today” show this season after the network’s shock transfer from former New York quarterbacks Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms.
JJ Watt will be another rookie joining James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher.
“I grew up watching THE NFL TODAY, so I’m honored to be a part of this iconic show and hope to continue the high standards set by Phil, Boomer and others before me,” Ryan said in a statement. ” he said. “I am grateful for this exciting new opportunity and can’t wait to start working with my new teammates.”
Ryan also tweeted on Monday morning.: “Excited to join @JBsportscaster, @nateburleson, @CowherCBS and @JJWatt in the NFL today! @NFLonCBS.”
It’s a rapid ascension for the 38-year-old Ryan, who just announced on April 22 that he was officially retiring after not playing during the 2023 season.
Ryan had the worst season of his career with the Colts in 2022, throwing 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, and the Colts released him.
However, because he still owed $12 million, Ryan chose not to officially retire, instead using his off time to join CBS for the 2023 season.
He also made it clear in his announcement in May last year that he would not retire.
“Excited to join the @NFLonCBS family! Looking forward to breaking down games this season.” Posted by Ryan. “PS – This is not a post-retirement post 😉”
Ryan made his debut in the season opener between the Buccaneers and the Vikings in Minnesota last year, including the “28-3” in Tampa Bay’s win, a nod to the Falcons’ loss to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The results were also included.
The former MVP clearly enjoys his job and even said he didn’t bat an eye at the Jets’ starting quarterback job while they were playing carousel at the quarterback position last year.
He primarily called matches against Tiki Barber and Andrew Catalon.
Ryan acknowledged that agents were investigating a specific situation, but there was nothing they could do to get him out of the booth and back on the field.
“I really enjoy working with Andrew, Tiki and AJ.” [Ross]” Ryan said last September. “They were fun to work with.”
Boston University’s work impressed his bosses at CBS enough that he was given a prominent position on CBS’ game shows going forward.
“Matt has had an excellent first year at CBS Sports, excelling both in the studio and as a game analyst,” CBS Sports President David Berson said in a statement. “He’s a complete team player and a Hall of Famer. We love the chemistry he has with the studio staff and hope he entertains NFL fans and works with JB, Nate, Coach J.J. We look forward to seeing him share his passion, insight and perspective.”
Pat McAfee joked about the situation on Monday’s show, apparently referring to the perceived cutbacks that came with his joining ESPN.
“Matt Ryan went on to kill Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms after he retired from the Colts.” McAfee said this in a segment with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.. “He and JJ just took them off TV. That’s how it works, that’s how it works, I think they did it.”
