Matt Ryan: Changing Community Wherever he Goes

4/30/2022

Quarterback Matt Ryan has cemented himself in the quarterback history books. Just a few of his many distinctions include 2016 NFL MVP, two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, a First Team All-Pro selection, and four Pro Bowl Selections. Despite his on-field achievements he further extended his influence to philanthropy.

Recently Ryan partnered with Dicks Sporting Goods to distribute sports equipment to kids in the Atlanta area. He has a history of working with charities such as Atlanta's Promise Youth Center, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he visits children in hospitals, bringing gifts and lifting spirits. Ryan cemented himself as a figure in the city of Atlanta as a long-time Falcon. He brought the team to a Super Bowl and is now playing for the Colts. While playing for his new team, he hopes to establish a similar level of impact in Indianapolis. 

Already very early in this year's offseason, Ryan said, “I think it’s been good, in terms of having conversations with people within the organization, figuring out spaces that could use help, and also things that I’m interested in… After-school programs and hospitals, children’s hospitals, those have been factors that I’ve always enjoyed visiting, always enjoyed trying to put my efforts in helping make an impact there, and luckily in Indianapolis, there’s tons of that.” Ryan’s immediate spring to action shows that his desire for service is not for superficial reasons such as his image or brand. He has already served Atlanta enough to retire quietly, but even in his new home, he exhibits a philanthropic initiative. 

In regards to initiatives already in place by the Colts organization, he said, “I’d love to be a part and hear the things that they’re doing and offer any insight that I can to what they have going on… From what I’ve heard from everybody, from guys in the locker room, they all do a great job with that, so I’m excited to help in any way that I can.” The Colts have a history of charitable quarterbacks including Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Carson Wentz. Ryan is looking to continue this tradition by contributing to his plethora of service experience.

Ryan and his Wife Sarah founded the Advance the Lives Foundation – ATL for short – in 2020. Following the death of George Floyd, the Ryans decided they would contribute to the fight for equity. It began with just a GoFundMe page to benefit black inhabitants of Atlanta. With an initial donation of $500,000 from the Ryans and an additional $800,000 through GoFundMe, they made an early impact on the battle for equity. They foresaw the need for their efforts to serve longterm, which made way for the ATL’s  evolution into a trust for aiding black youth. They further contributed $1,000,000 to ensure the development and longevity of the trust. 

Their mission statement reads, “Inequality starts at the youth level and every Black child deserves the opportunity to flourish and achieve their dreams. Change is needed in Atlanta to combat systemic barriers preventing equal access to opportunity for Black youth. Athletes are uniquely positioned to combat barriers in support of Atlanta Back youth and the organizations that serve them.” This statement, “Athletes are uniquely positioned to combat barriers” embodies an important sentiment. Those in positions of power should use their platforms to advance the wellness of society. Many athletes follow this idea and cover a wide base of causes including racism, healthcare, and education. 

The Advance the Lives Foundation has had many developments since 2020. To better understand the communities it served, the Ryans hired various black employees to serve as directors of operations. They released several grants for organizations working to break down daily barriers in African American lives. 

It is clear how important philanthropy and equity are to Matt Ryan. Even in the rush of the busy offseason and with established charities of his own, Ryan exceeds what is expected of him. Ryan wants to use his platform in his new city just months after being traded to create a positive impact. Others should learn from his eager spirit of helping others into applications in their own communities.

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Works Cited

advancethelives. “Matt Ryan Speaking out against Systemic Racism - Advance the Lives.” Advance the Lives, 4 Nov. 2022, advancethelives.org/2022/11/matt-ryan-speaking-out-against-systemic-racism/.

Erickson, Joel A. “Matt Ryan’s Already Looking for Ways to Help Make a Difference in Indianapolis.” The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Star, 23 Apr. 2022, www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2022/04/23/matt-ryans-indianapolis-colts-qb-charity-community/7425619001/.

McKibben, Beth. “Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan Donates $100,000 to Giving Kitchen and Atlanta Community Food back to Help Rest….” Eater Atlanta, 17 Mar. 2020, atlanta.eater.com/2020/3/17/21183516/atlanta-falcons-quarterback-matt-ryan-donating-funds-food-bank-giving-kitchen-covid-19-coronavirus.