Ryan, 2016 MVP, announces retirement aged 38

Matt Ryan signed on a one-day contract with the Atlanta Falcons having not played at all last season

Matt Ryan, who was named the NFL's most valuable player in 2016, has announced his retirement aged 38.

The quarterback played for the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 before spending the 2022 season with the Indianapolis Colts.

Ryan called his career "a hell of a ride", officially bringing it to an end by signing a one-day contract with Atlanta having not played last season.

"I'm honoured to retire as a Falcon. You have no control in this profession in where you start. I am so lucky that my start and my finish was here in Atlanta," said Ryan.

"Through the highs and the lows I always felt your energy and passion. I want you to know that every day I felt the responsibility to give you the best version of myself."

He was drafted third overall by the Falcons in 2008, taking them to the play-offs on six occasions and to the Super Bowl in 2017.

The Falcons led 28-3 but ended up losing 34-28 to the New England Patriots.

Speaking about that defeat on Monday, Ryan said: "It hurts. I think that's one of the things that always a part of you. That falling short of what you ultimately set out to do, but that's life."

Ryan, who played in the all-star Pro Bowl four times, is seventh on the all-time list for passing yards (62,792) and retires with 381 touchdowns.