Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan (born May 17, 1985) is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for Boston College, Ryan was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, with the third overall pick, by the Atlanta Falcons.He was Boston College's starting quarterback from 2005 to 2007, leading them to three bowl victories and a 25-7 record in 32 starts.