In this role as a media member, he’s been able to analyze and have conversations with various individuals across the NFL landscape — players, coaches and executives alike. One could assume he’s picked up a thing or two along the way to add onto his already significant repertoire as one of the top quarterbacks of the modern era.
There are also success stories across the league of former-players-turned-executives.
The easiest comparison to make just based on structure of positions is what the San Francisco 49ers have with John Lynch as their president of football operations and general manager. It’s not a one-for-one comparison, but there are similarities.
Lynch spent 15 years putting together a Hall of Fame level playing career, before making the jump to analyst work for eight years thereafter. He became the 49ers general manager without ever having typical executive experience. Three seasons later, he was named the 2019 Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
“Having already helped lead a team to a Super Bowl title as a player, John is equipped with tremendous insight into what it takes to creative a culture that breeds sustained success,” 49ers CEO Jed York said upon Lynch’s hire as general manager. “Having spent the last eight seasons as an analyst with FOX, he has honed his skills as a talented communicator while also developing valuable relationships around the league and a vast knowledge of the NFL that will be beneficial to our team.”
This should sound familiar as the Falcons’ changes are an echo of this organizational structure and decision that has led to major success for the 49ers franchise, including multiple playoff bids and a Super Bowl run since Lynch came on.
Other recent success stories of former-players-turned-executives can be seen in John Elway and Troy Vincent Sr.
Elway — Hall of Fame quarterback and the former general manager and executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos. Elway helped usher in one of the most prosperous times in Broncos history, leading the charge to sign Peyton Manning. From 2012-15, the Broncos won four division titles, two AFC Championships and reached the Super Bowl.
Vincent Sr. — Pro Bowl cornerback and current executive vice president of football operations for the NFL. Of late, he has been a major mover and shaker in the world of girls flag football, helping to grow the sport to the point of being included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
What the Falcons are attempting to do with Ryan in place as the president of football doesn’t come out of left field. There is precedent not only in process, but in success, too.
Blank said in his press conference Thursday that he believes the right person in this position will “make a big difference.”
Ryan has made a big difference for the Atlanta Falcons franchise in the past. He — along with Blank and the Falcons community at large — will hope he can do so again as he ventures into a new chapter of his football career.
Things are just a little bit different this time around, but that doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t be just as impactful.