Thursday 3 May 2018 22:26, UK
Matt Ryan has agreed a five-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth $150m.
The 32-year-old will become the NFL's first $30 million-per-year quarterback. The contract also includes $100m in guarantees and ties Ryan down at the Falcons until 2023.
Since his arrival in Atlanta in 2008, Ryan has established himself as one of the game's top quarterbacks.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said: "Matt is getting what he has earned and we all know the marketplace for a great quarterback.
"League revenues are up, club revenues are up, new stadiums and the players are the heart of the game."
Atlanta Falcons new stadium, the Mercedes Benz stadium will host Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019.
Ryan has thrown for 41,796 yards during his career with 260 yards and 126 interceptions while completing nearly 65 per cent of his passes.
He has become a crucial member of the team having become the first Falcons player to win the NFL's MVP Award during the 2016 season.
He has also helped guide them to 95 wins since 2008, tied with the Saints for the fourth-most in that time.
Only the Patriots, Steelers and Packers have more wins during that stretch.
During his MVP season, Ryan led the Falcons to just their second Super Bowl spot in franchise history.
Ryan is currently seventh among all active quarterbacks in career passing yards and eighth in passing touchdowns.
The Falcons will hope Ryan can now secure a return trip to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons.
