Matt Ryan looks the part of a big time NFL quarterback. He has the arm and moxie to succeed at the pro level. Now Atlanta Falcons fans and collectors are hoping he can fulfill that promise for a franchise in desperate need of leadership.
The Falcons thought they had their quarterback of the future when they drafted Michael Vick in 2001. But Vick's well-publicized legal troubles took him off the field after the 2006 season, and Atlanta stumbled to a 4-12 finish the next year.
Enter Ryan. After a stellar senior season at Boston College that saw him take home the Johnny Unitas Award, he was chosen with the third overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. Though he entered training camp in an open competition with Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley for the No. 1 QB job, Ryan was impressive enough during the preseason to be named the starter right off the bat.
He didn't wait long to find NFL success. On his very first pass, Ryan connected with Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard touchdown. More importantly, he led the Falcons to a win, something that was a rare occurrence the previous season.
Football collectors showed early enthusiasm for Ryan's rookie cards, which isn't that surprising given his position on the field and in the draft. Since his team is looking to turn the page from the Vick era, it will give him every chance to keep his job - good news indeed for anyone thinking about starting a Ryan collection.
2008 Matt Ryan Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 269 - autographed jersey card #'d to 299
- Bowman # 166
- Bowman Chrome # BC59
- Bowman Sterling # 146A - jersey card #'d to 569
- Donruss Classics # 166 - #'d to 999
- Donruss Elite # 101 - autographed, #'d to 199
- Donruss Gridiron Gear # 230 - autographed jersey card #'d to 100
- Donruss Threads # 262 - autographed, #'d to 100
- Finest # 109 - #'d to 699
- Leaf Certified Materials # 219 - jersey card #'d to 599
- Leaf Limited # 331 - jersey card #'d to 99
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 245 - autographed, #'d to 99
- Leaf Rookies and Stars Longevity # 245 - autographed, #'d to 10
- Playoff Prestige # 179
- Score # 333
- Select # 333 - #'d to 999
- SP Rookie Edition # 143
- SP Rookie Threads # MR40 - autographed with total print run of 152
- SPx # 185 - autographed jersey card #'d to 325
- Stadium Club # 101 - #'d to 1799
- Topps # 331
- Topps Chrome # TC166
- Topps Kickoff # 166
- Topps Letterman # 51 - #'d to 419
- Topps Rookie Progression # 172
- UD Masterpieces # 110 - SP
- Upper Deck Draft Edition # 74
- Upper Deck First Edition # 221
- Upper Deck Heroes # 179
- Upper Deck Heroes # 180
- Upper Deck Icons # 173 - #'d to 750
- Upper Deck Premier # 129 - autographed jersey card #'d to 199