Matt Ryan’s rookie cards have always had a following. He was the third pick in the 2008 draft and has 
had some great moments in his Atlanta Falcons career. Now that he can add the title of Super Bowl Quarterback and (probably) MVP to the back of them, it’s inevitable they’ll be getting more attention.
It’s been an interesting ride to the top of the pile, though.
Ryan was the starting quarterback for Boston College from 2005 to 2007, leading them to three bowl victories and a 25–7 record. While the first several years of his NFL career were marked with a series of ups and downs, Ryan’s 2015 season was miserable.
Few could have imagined what the following season would bring. He led the league by completing nearly 70% of his passes for almost 5,000 yards and a regular season passer rating of 117.1. In the NFC Championship game, Ryan passed for 392 yards, tossed four TD passes and ran for a fifth.
Matt Ryan rookie cards hit the hobby back in 2008 when the football market had multiple manufacturers competing for collector interest. 
His most valuable rookies include low serial numbered Panini National Treasures autographed relic cards, high-end Topps products and Upper Deck’s low-numbered Exquisite and SP Authentic.
Most of Ryan’s on-card autographs are in Upper Deck products.
Dozens of Ryan rookies sold on eBay in the hours after the Falcons’ NFC title game victory including an Exquisite three-color auto patch numbered to 99 graded BGS 9 for $1,895, an SP Authentic rookie auto patch graded BGS 8.5 for $599.99 and a group of five ungraded auto relics from the same brand for $1999.99.
Ryan’s 1/1 Panini Contenders Championship Ticket is currently on eBay for a big price.
For collectors who don’t have deep pockets, there are numerous base cards that are still available for a dollar or two.
Related Stories:
Hall of Fame Rookies Lead Legendary 1957 Topps Football Set
Luck’s Retirement Another Reminder of Prospecting Uncertainty
A Look at Max Scherzer Rookie Cards as Nats Pitcher Makes More History
Antonio Brown Rookie Cards Bloom With Career
1973 Topps Football Started New Era
ThePit “Football 50” Index Debuts at $7.2 Milllion
Kershaw Rookie, Autograph Cards Continue Steady Rise
Julio Jones Cards Rise Up
