Atlanta Falcons‘ Matt Ryan, on Sunday, scripted history as he became the 7th quarterback in National Football League (NFL) history to throw for 5,000 completion. He achieved the feat in a game against New York Jets. Ryan joined Tom Brady of Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6,897) and Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh Steelers (5,159) as the only active players to eclipse the 5,000 mark.

In the match, Atlanta Falcons beat New York Jets 27-20.

Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, is the NFL’s leader in completed passes with 7,142 completions. The other three quarterbacks on the list are Brett Favre (6,300), and Peyton Manning (6,125), and Philip Rivers (5,277).

Ryan reached the magic 5,000-mark in the absence of Falcons No.1 and No.2 wide receivers – Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage.

The 2021 season of the NFL has been quite remarkable for Ryan. Three weeks back he became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards through a player’s first 14 seasons.

He moved ahead with a pass to tight end Kyle Pitts in the second quarter of the loss to the Buccaneers.

In the Falcons’ victory over the New York Giants, he became the tenth quarterback in the NFL history to throw 350 passing touchdowns.

Earlier in the season he also became the 10th player in NFL history to throw 350 touchdown passes. In an interview, Ryan said that way he achieves the milestones is but dwelling on the past but always paying attention to the present.

“The more you’re thinking about long-term or legacy type of things the less you’re worried about what’s important that week. I try to compartmentalize. I’m really proud of that,” ESPN quoted him as saying.

Unlike other players, Ryan is not fond of collecting footballs. He only has about 20 to 30 from his pro career. He said that the footballs are under lock and key but “being launched around the house right now by my kids.”