Matt Ryan on Not Retiring: ‘I’ve Learned to Not Shut Any Doors’

He explained why he decided to walk away from playing for the time being.

While appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, former Colts quarterback Matt Ryan broke down his decision to step away from playing and join CBS as an NFL analyst.

“It’s never easy. I had the opportunity after the season to go up and get in the studio during the playoffs with the crew on NFL Today and I had a blast doing it,” Ryan said Wednesday. “I enjoyed being up there with those guys.” 

Ryan went on to add that it was a good fit but also said “I’ve tried to keep all doors open.” The former MVP was referencing his announcement that he was joining CBS where he specifically wrote, “this is not a retirement post.”

"All the stars would have to [align]. I’ve just learned… in the 15 years I’ve played, to not shut any doors" 

Matt Ryan talked to us about joining @NFLonCBS and whether he could return to the field next season. @M_Ryan02 | @RichGannon12 | @BruceMurrayNFL pic.twitter.com/ZYLUxJYlnv

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 17, 2023

The 38-year-old was then asked what would it take for him to leave CBS and return to an NFL team for another season. 

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’ve just learned, at least during my experience in the 15 years I’ve played, to just not shut any doors. That’s really the decision behind that. I’m excited to take this next step and to move forward but at the same time you never know what’s going to happen in this league.”