TPC Sugarloaf was loaded with Atlanta stars on Monday for Matt Ryan's Celebrity-Am Classic, an event he has hosted for the past six years that benefits Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Health Care of Atlanta.
Ryan's event draws only the best of the best, and it's become something he looks forward to every year. He and his wife Sarah host two events a year dedicated to CHOA, something near and dear to their hearts.
"I think it's always fun to be able to get out away from football and see all the guys turnout and see what their golf swings look like," Matt Ryan said of his event. "Just to have a good time and raise money for CHOA. You really can't raise enough money for them. It's become a great partnership and it's become something I look forward to every year."
The links were full of Ryan's current teammates such as Andy Levitre, Josh Harris, Matt Bryant, Matt Schaub and Ryan Schraeder, but also former Falcons players like Michael Jenkins, Steve Bartkowki, Brian Finneran and DJ Shockley joined in on the fun.
The star-studded list didn't stop there. Ryan has not only made his mark in the football community of the state of Georgia, he's also established relationships with several other Atlanta professional athletes. Former Atlanta Braves standouts Chipper Jones, Otis Nixon, Javy Lopez, and Phil Niekro were all in attendance.
Ryan's impact in the city of Atlanta was surely felt when Jones mentioned the importance of collaboration among professional athletes.
"Anytime we as professional athletes get to scratch the back of some other athletes and help their cause it only helps our cause later down the road in whatever charities we choose to back," Jones said. "It's a great tournament and I love this venue. Matt Ryan is one of the icons here in Atlanta and anytime he invites you, you show up and play."
While Ryan's focus remains on performing at a high level on the football field, he continues to build to his legacy in the city of Atlanta with his off–the-field contributions.
