The Miami Dolphins had the opportunity to select QB Matt Ryan at the top of the 2008 NFL draft but went in a different direction

Quarterback Matt Ryan announced his retirement Tuesday, two days before the start of the 2024 NFL draft, and no doubt older Miami Dolphins fans will remember his own draft year.

It was 2008 and the Dolphins had the very first pick in the draft after their miserable 1-15 showing the year before, which means they could have had Ryan had they wanted him. But the Dolphins went a different route and their quest for a franchise quarterback continued for another decade until finally they were able to land Tua Tagovailoa.

Deciding to go with tackle Jake Long over Ryan, who ended up going third overall to the Atlanta Falcons after the St. Louis Rams selected defensive end Chris Long, is one of the great what-ifs in Dolphins draft history.