Even after retiring from professional football last year, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has maintained a prominent presence in the NFL world. The 40-year-old veteran has become a familiar face on television screens, offering expert analysis on CBS's pregame desk, sharing insights on podcasts, and now preparing for a special holiday broadcast assignment.
From Quarterback to Analyst: Ryan's New Role
Matt Ryan's connection to the Atlanta Falcons remains particularly strong despite his retirement. During the 2024 season, he took on a mentoring role with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., guiding the first-year player through his debut season as the team's starter. This demonstrates Ryan's ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of NFL quarterbacks, even while no longer playing himself.
The NFL recently announced its Christmas Day schedule, with Netflix returning for the second consecutive year to stream the holiday games. The streaming platform will broadcast the first two matchups of the triple-header, beginning with the Dallas Cowboys facing the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Detroit Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m.
Christmas Day Broadcast Details
Ryan will serve as a game analyst for the Cowboys-Commanders matchup, joining CBS Sports commentators Ian Eagle and Nate Burleson in the broadcast booth. This position keeps him directly involved in NFL action while allowing fans to benefit from his perspective as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of the past 15 years.
Despite maintaining excellent physical condition, Ryan has firmly closed the door on returning to professional play. During a Week 8 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets, he humorously discussed with sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala about potentially seeking advice from Joe Flacco, another 40-year-old quarterback still active in the league.
When Kinkhabwala relayed Flacco's simple tip to "drink more water," the moment generated laughter during the broadcast. Although some speculated this might hint at a possible comeback, Ryan quickly ended such conversations with a smiling "I'm good," making his retirement stance perfectly clear.
Life After Retirement: Mentoring and Broadcasting
Currently, Ryan focuses his energy on sharing his extensive football knowledge from the broadcast booth, mentoring young quarterbacks like Penix Jr., and keeping fans engaged with his expert analysis. While he no longer takes snaps on Sundays, Matt Ryan continues to be a visible and respected voice within the NFL community, proving that retirement doesn't necessarily mean completely stepping away from the game.
His transition from player to analyst and mentor represents a natural evolution for the veteran quarterback, allowing him to remain connected to football while exploring new opportunities beyond the field. As he prepares for his Christmas Day broadcast debut, fans can look forward to more of Ryan's unique insights throughout the holiday NFL coverage.
