The Atlanta Falcons are one of the most popular and successful teams in the National Football League (NFL). They have been owned by Arthur Blank, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, since 2002. Matt Ryan, a star quarterback and former MVP, has been playing for the Falcons since 2008. But are these two men related by blood or marriage? The answer is no, they are not. However, they do share a strong bond and a mutual respect that goes beyond their professional roles.
Contents
Who is Arthur Blank?
Arthur Blank is best known for being a co-founder of The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the world. He started the company in 1978 with Bernard Marcus, Ron Brill, Patrick Farrah, and Kenneth Langone, after they were fired from their jobs at a regional hardware store. Blank served as the president and later the co-chairman of The Home Depot until his retirement in 2001. According to Forbes, he has a net worth of $7.9 billion as of August 2021.
Blank is also a prominent sports owner and philanthropist. He bought the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 for $545 million, and has since invested heavily in improving the team’s performance, facilities, and fan experience. He also brought professional soccer to Atlanta with his Major League Soccer team Atlanta United FC, which started playing in 2017 and won the MLS Cup in 2018. Both of his teams play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that opened in 2017 and hosted the Super Bowl in 2019.
Blank is also the chairman of The Arthur Blank Family Foundation, which supports various causes such as education, environmental sustainability, social justice, and youth development. He has signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate more than half of his wealth to charitable causes. In 2020, he donated $200 million to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to build a new hospital named after him.
Who is Matt Ryan?
Matt Ryan is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today. He was born on May 17, 1985, in Exton, Pennsylvania. He played college football at Boston College, where he earned the nickname “Matty Ice” for his clutch performances in pressure situations. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Ryan has been the starting quarterback for the Falcons ever since his rookie season. He has led the team to eight playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. He has also earned many individual accolades, such as being named the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2016, making four Pro Bowls, and holding several franchise and league records.
Ryan is married to Sarah Marshall, whom he met at Boston College. They have three children: twin sons Marshall Thomas and John Matthew, born in 2018; and a daughter named Brynn Elizabeth, born in 2020. Ryan is also involved in various charitable initiatives, such as supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, funding scholarships at Boston College, and raising awareness for cancer research.
How are Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan Connected?
Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan are not related by blood or marriage. However, they have developed a close relationship over the years as owner and player of the Atlanta Falcons. They have expressed their admiration and appreciation for each other on several occasions.
Blank has praised Ryan for his leadership, talent, and character on and off the field. He has also shown his commitment to Ryan by signing him to lucrative contract extensions in 2013 and 2018. In 2019, Blank said that Ryan was “the perfect quarterback” for his team.
Ryan has also spoken highly of Blank for his vision, passion, and generosity as an owner. He has thanked Blank for giving him the opportunity to play for the Falcons and for supporting him throughout his career. He has also credited Blank for creating a winning culture and a positive environment for the team.
Blank and Ryan have also shared some memorable moments together. For example, in 2016, after Ryan won the MVP award, Blank surprised him with a hug on stage during the ceremony. In 2017, after Ryan became a father to twins, Blank sent him a personalized jersey with “Dad” on the back. In 2020, after Ryan threw his 350th career touchdown pass, Blank presented him with a game ball in front of his teammates.
Conclusion
Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan are not related by blood or marriage. However, they have formed a strong bond and a mutual respect that goes beyond their professional roles. They are both leaders and icons of the Atlanta Falcons, and they have a shared goal of bringing a championship to the city. They are also both generous and compassionate people who give back to their communities. They are an example of how sports can bring people together and create lasting connections.
