Ryan marvels at Brady, Manning, Favre
Friday, January 2, 2009 8:29 AM PST
ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Ryan has met Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. The next great quarterback on his list? Tom Brady.
Though he spent five years at Boston College while Brady was winning two of his three Super Bowls with the Patriots, Ryan never had a chance to speak with the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
If they ever do meet face to face, the budding Atlanta Falcons star will have one honor that Brady doesn’t have: The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
‘‘I’m certainly flattered,’’ said Ryan, who was selected with the third overall pick in April’s draft. ‘‘There’s a number of guys who had great rookie seasons this year, so to even be mentioned in that light is nice. It’s certainly a great honor, and I think it speaks to what we did as a team this year.’’
Ryan was a landslide winner Tuesday in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with three. Broncos tackle Ryan Clady had two and Bears running back Matt Forte got one.
Baltimore’s Joe Flacco, the 18th overall pick, was left off all 50 ballots despite joining Ryan as the only NFL rookie quarterbacks ever to start all every regular-season game and lead their teams to the playoffs.
Ryan led Atlanta to an 11-5 record and a surprising NFC wild-card appearance, but is still uncomfortable comparing himself to the established stars he wants to emulate. But he clearly admires the careers of Brady, Manning and Favre, who have combined for five Super Bowl titles, 26 trips to the playoffs and five MVP awards.
The three other active quarterbacks with Super Bowl rings — Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and Kurt Warner — also have Ryan’s attention. Warner will lead the Cardinals against Ryan and Atlanta on Sunday in Arizona but the two will team up Feb. 8 at the Pro Bowl.
‘‘I hope when I’m 37 I’m playing at the level he is,’’ Ryan said.
