ATLANTA — Let's take a flashback to 2008.
It was the year Olympians competed in Beijing and America elected its first Black president. And on a local scale, it was also the year the Falcons welcomed the No. 3 overall draft pick -- Matt Ryan -- to Atlanta.
"I'd like to start by saying that I'm really excited to be here in Atlanta," Ryan said in 2008, adding that he looked forward to being a part of the community.
For years, his name was a part of the football fabric of the city. And now, he's decided to end his football career right in the same place that welcomed him with open arms.
The former Atlanta quarterback signed a one-day contract with the Falcons and announced his retirement Monday. The team shared a photo on social media, saying Ryan is "ending it where it started."
That start in Atlanta began after his time with Boston College. He led the Eagles to as high as No. 2 in the country in the AP Poll in 2007, and Ryan himself finished with over 4,500 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air, which helped him place seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting. His exhilarating start to the NFL was just beginning then.
"Last night was nice, just to know that I'm a part of this organization and I'm an Atlanta Falcon," Ryan said in his 2008 news conference reflecting on draft night. "I couldn't be happier."
The man known to Atlanta sports fans as "Matty Ice" spent 14 years with the franchise from 2008-2021. He then spent a season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Fast-forward to what feels like a full circle moment: Ryan addressed Atlanta fans Monday as he said farewell and announced his retirement.
"I want to say thank you for the continued support. It was a hell of a ride," he said.
Re-watch the 2008 news conference below or in the video player at the top of the story.