FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – After a dismal offensive debut, the Atlanta Falcons seek comfort in knowing there are still 16 games to play in the NFL’s expanded regular season.
Then again, how many more seasons are left for quarterback Matt Ryan, now 36? With an eye on Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady – this week’s opposing quarterback as the Falcons open their NFC South Division schedule by visiting the Buccaneers, the reigning Super Bowl champions – Ryan said he’s not worried about dwindling opportunities.
“I don’t think of it like that,” Ryan said Wednesday. “The guy we’re going against this week is 44, and he’s pretty good.”
Ryan’s contract runs through 2023. He’d have to extend his career to 2029 to still be playing at 44.
“I would love to if I’m as healthy as he is and playing as great as he is right now,” Ryan said of Brady, who spent his first 20 NFL seasons – and won six of his seven Super Bowl titles – with the New England Patriots. “That’s great motivation for all of us.”