Matt Ryan - 2016 NFL MVP

1) Matt Ryan was the 3rd selection in the 2008 NFL Draft behind Jake Long and Chris Long. He played college football for the Boston College Eagles.

2) #2 Matt Ryan has been selected to four NFL Pro Bowls in his career.

3) Matt was named NFL MVP for the 2016 NFL season beating out Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

D: What exercises do you do to help you stay strong?

Matt Ryan: Push ups and sit ups, do 'em all day.

D's Follow Up: I like sit ups more than push ups but I like to do swimmers like my dad taught me to do.

J: What other sports did you play growing up?

Matt Ryan: Basketball and baseball.

J's Follow Up: It's pretty cool because basketball is my favorite sport. It makes me wonder what position he played in baseball too. He'd probably be great at pitcher or outfielder.

I love that Matt Ryan told D to do push ups and sit ups! He has been doing them all the time ever since. Push ups really do work the whole body and are an important part of fitness and muscular strength and sit ups are the perfect compliment. Many would be surprised how much stronger you can get from doing 20 first thing in the morning and 20 right before bed. Come to think of it, I should do some right now!

As far as the other sports go...we haven't met a professional athlete yet that hasn't done multiple sports! According to Wikipedia, Matt played quarterback in football, small forward in basketball, and pitcher and shortstop in baseball when he was in high school. I try to tell that to my students too. Many kids specialize too soon and get worn out too fast. Enjoy multiple sports and don't be afraid to try new activities. The skills transfer between sports and will actually help you improve the sport you may want to specialize in down the road. J and D love to play everything and I wouldn't have it any other way.