When the Indianapolis Colts released veteran quarterback Matt Ryan back in March, many assumed that the soon-to-be 38-year-old’s career was at an end.
The 2016 NFL Most Valuable Player went unsigned during the initial wave of free-agent additions, and even a couple of weeks removed from the draft, he still hasn’t been picked up.
Ryan announced his next step on Monday, but the plans don’t involve donning a helmet and shoulder pads in 2023. Instead, he will be joining CBS Sports as an analyst for the upcoming football season.
This isn’t entirely surprising. We’ve recently seen quarterbacks such as Tony Romo and Drew Brees go into broadcasting following their playing careers. Even Tom Brady will be joining Fox Sports’ booth starting in 2024.
But interestingly, Ryan made it a point to clarify that he has not retired from the league.
Excited to join the @NFLonCBS family! Looking forward to breaking down the game this season.
P.S. – this is not a retirement post 😉 pic.twitter.com/4fCTVpFxK0
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) May 15, 2023
This seems a bit confusing on its face. It’s hard to imagine Ryan would be able to balance a television job if he intends to be on an NFL roster this fall.
But there may be a completely logical — and lucrative — reason why Ryan is refraining from retiring, at least nominally.
Despite releasing him this offseason, the Colts still owe Ryan $12 million this season. In order to receive that money, he has to at least maintain the guise of seeking opportunities in the NFL. Were he to announce his retirement from the league, it could potentially jeopardize his payday.
So, while this doesn’t necessarily mean Ryan taking the field in 2023 is out of the question, there’s a pretty good chance he doesn’t intend to sign with an NFL squad and is instead turning to the next chapter in his career.
