Players react to Matt Ryan’s trade to the Indianapolis Colts
![CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 12: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons runs on the field during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 12: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons runs on the field during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbloggingdirty-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1360022147-850x560-1fd69f4c36d7469fb3ee888f8b224849e599fc1bb3f9acdb76aec6a23656cc0d.jpg)
After news of Matt Ryan’s trade to the Indianapolis Colts broke, fans, reporters and players alike voiced their opinions on social media.
Ryan’s former teammates, new teammates, rivals and even players who never took the field with or against Ryan were outspoken after Ryan was dealt to Indianapolis for a third-round draft pick.
Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore, now Matt Ryan’s teammate, says he “can’t wait to annoy him.”
I just texted Matthew Ryan. I can’t wait to annoy him.
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) March 21, 2022
Super Bowl champion Odell Beckham Jr. things Matt Ryan will do something “special,” in Indianapolis.
Random thought …. Bruh I really think Matt Ryan to the colts was actually 🔥, I think bruh will elevate and do sum special over there.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) March 22, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake also chimed in after Ryan’s trade.
Before playing college football at Alabama, Drake went to high school at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, which is within 30 miles of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
never thought i would see the day matt ryan isn’t in a falcons jersey
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) March 21, 2022
Tight end Lee Smith, who retired after playing this season with Matt Ryan and the Falcons, noted that “Indy just got scary,” after trading for Ryan. Smith hauled in nine receptions from Matt Ryan this season, accounting for 65 yards and a touchdown.
I will always remember certain teammates. Not because of the player they are or were, but the man, leader, father, husband and friend they are. @M_Ryan02 is one of the all time greats ON and OFF field. Indy just got scary. Hut hut
— Lee Smith (@LeeSmith) March 22, 2022
Former All-Pro running back Jamal Anderson, who played for the Falcons from 1994-2001, notes that Ryan “put on for the city like no other,” during his time with Atlanta.
End of an era. That you Matt Ryan. What a run. You put on for the city like no other. Fantastic player, fantastic person. Much respect. 💯 #DirtyBirds
— Jamal Anderson (@jamthedirtybird) March 21, 2022
Wish you all the best. 🙏🏾
Another former Atlanta Falcon, wide receiver Brian Finneran, was very outspoken about the the Matt Ryan trade on Twitter. Finneran, the 2009 Falcons Man of the Year, played with Ryan the last three years of his career.
What an absolute mess!! #Riseup2025
— Brian Finneran (@BFinn86) March 21, 2022
Finally an #AFC team I can root for!! @Colts
— Brian Finneran (@BFinn86) March 21, 2022
Cordarrelle Patterson, who the Falcons just re-signed to a two-year, $10.5 million contract, was one of Ryan’s favorite weapons during his last year in Atlanta.
Thank you 2. @M_Ryan02 pic.twitter.com/kYPG4wDZJ9
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) March 21, 2022
Before his more heartfelt post for Matt Ryan, Patterson made a joke at his versatility, hinting that he could be next in line for a shot at the quarterback depth chart.
Time to start warming up! pic.twitter.com/yg8pLTWFHO
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) March 21, 2022
Cam Jordan has logged 23 sacks against Matt Ryan during his 11 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. These 23 sacks against Ryan are the most ever by a single player against a single quarterback in league history since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
Jordan, who has been with the New Orleans Saints for eleven seasons, was vocal on social media about not playing against Matt Ryan for two games a year for the first time in his career.
https://twitter.com/camjordan94/status/1505965376068329473?s=20&t=wiuHaARVKb58WSwtV_FFNQ
Gettin all these texts from folks 😂😥 like I need time to process…I guess I’m happy for him if he’s happy.. If that’s what he wanted… and what’s best for him… @AtlantaFalcons & MATTY ICE & #Levelz are in NFL history we’ll always have that 😶 farewell to black&red #2 pic.twitter.com/zgFHahfPmA
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) March 21, 2022
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