BC will retire jerseys of Matt Ryan and Luke Kuechly

CHESTNUT HILL — Two of the best players to suit up for Boston College will have their jerseys retired this fall in separate ceremonies on campus.

Matt Ryan, who quarterbacked the Eagles to an 11-3 record in 2007, won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Manning Award while being named the ACC Player of the Year. He is entering his ninth season as quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan's jersey will be retired at the November 19 game against Connecticut.

“Boston College is an amazing place,” Ryan said. “I am very fortunate to have had so many great memories during my college years at BC.  I continue to be so fortunate with the retirement of my jersey and I am humbled that it will hang in Alumni Stadium with BC legends Doug Flutie, Mike Ruth and now Luke Kuechly.  I’m so thankful for the guidance of all my coaches and the support of all my teammates during my time on campus.  Football is the ultimate team sport and without their contributions none of this would have been possible.”

Luke Kuechly won every major postseason award for defensive players following the 2012 season, including the Dick Butkus Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Rotary Lombardi Award. He was a two-time All-American at Boston College and has starred with the Carolina Panthers since joining the NFL in 2013.

Kuechly's jersey will be retired at the October 22 game against Syracuse.

“It’s a tremendous honor to have my jersey retired,” Kuechly said.  “It is very important to me because of the love I have for Boston College and the memories I created not only on the field but throughout all of campus.  It’s an honor to have my name in Alumni Stadium along with Doug Flutie, Mike Ruth and the other great players who have been recognized.  I truly enjoyed my time at Boston College and would definitely choose BC if I had to do it again.”

“On behalf of Boston College and Eagles fans everywhere, I would like to congratulate Luke and Matt on this well-deserved honor,” Director of Athletics Brad Bates said.  “Matt and Luke represent the very best of intercollegiate athletics and personify the Jesuit principle of ‘men and women for others.’  Both enjoyed brilliant collegiate careers and have gone on to enjoy success in the NFL.  Beyond the gridiron you would be hard-pressed to find two gentlemen who conduct themselves with more integrity, discipline, generosity and kindness.  They make all of us very proud.”

Cox Media Group