Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan on Grooming and the Big Game
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons quarterback, shares with us his shaving routine and what it is like being married to a former athlete. (Photo: Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan may not be starring in the Super Bowl on Sunday, but he has grooming tips for the guys who are. "Usually, I will shave, do my grooming, the day before a game — just because you know you’re going to be doing a press conference afterward,“ says Ryan, who also moonlights as a Gillette Fusion ProShield spokesperson. "Like anybody, you want to look your best. Saturday morning or Saturday night is usually the time I’ll get groomed.” Here, Ryan talks grooming, the game, and married life.
Yahoo Beauty: What was the biggest obstacle you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Matt Ryan: Professionally, the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome the last two seasons is having losing records. After the first five years of going to the playoffs four of those five years and having winning records every year, for us to be 4-12 and 6-10, that makes it difficult. To maintain your confidence in those situations and still believing your process and what you’re doing, even when you’re not getting the results that you want, that’s difficult. I think how you overcome it is, you innovate, you learn, you try and tweak things here and there. At the same time, you have to stay true to your core beliefs. We’ve done a great job of that as a team.
Atlanta Falcons star Matt Ryan shares that his ‘biggest obstacle to overcome was the last two seasons of having a losing record.’ (Photo: Getty Images)
When you’re going through a bad season or tough times, who is part of your support system?
My wife [Sarah Marshall], number one. She is the person who hears all of it: the good, the bad, and the ugly. When I come home at night after practice or after a game, for me, she is a great support system. She played basketball at Boston College and was a three-year starter there. She has a unique perspective of what it takes to compete at a high level and understanding the ups and downs that go along with that.
What’s it like being married to a fellow athlete? Do you guys ever get competitive?
For sure. We’re not crazy competitive where it’s, like, cutthroat, but definitely if we’re shooting hoops or something, that gets a little bit competitive.
Who ends up winning?
She can definitely out shoot me, that’s for sure.
Do you steal any beauty products from your wife?
I’ve definitely stolen some face lotion, for sure, at different times, especially if we’re at a hotel or something. She will not leave without it. Sometimes I forget when we go on the road, but definitely have stolen some moisturizer from her on numerous occasions.
The pro football player shares his grooming routine before a game. (Photo: Getty Images)
What makes her a beautiful person?
Aside from her stunning good looks, she’s one of the most loyal people you could ever meet. She’s got a great personality and is fun to be around. She’s the absolute best friend you could ask for. That’s the most beautiful thing about her: she’s loyal, she’s there to listen. No matter what you need, she’s there for you.
Do you have a grooming routine or superstitions for winning games?
Usually, I will shave, do my grooming, the day before a game — just because you know you’re going to be doing a press conference afterward. Like anybody, you want to look your best. Saturday morning or Saturday night is usually the time I’ll get groomed. I’m not overly superstitious.
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