At being good-looking.
In a study that analyzes facial symmetry — a trait that reportedly shows a strong correlation to a person's perceived attractiveness — Ryan's 99.8 percent rating was the best among all current NFL signal-callers. But he is in good company: Researcher Jennifer VanGilder reports that every single quarterback scored above 96 percent.
Those general managers really know how to pick 'em.
The top 10 rankings, however, are somewhat surprising: The Tom Brady's (No. 8) and Mark Sanchez's of the league — both of whom have shot cover stories for GQ, among other magazines — scored eighth or lower on the list. Sanchez ranked No. 20, and Tony Romo — who has popped up in the tabloids even more frequently than Brady — plummeted to No. 23.
Minnesota's Brett Favre ranks second behind Ryan, and behind him is his successor, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers. Ben Roethlisberger ranked sixth with (perhaps surgically-aided) 99.43 percent symmetry, and San Diego's Philip Rivers sits behind Brady at No. 9.
Apparently, Drew Brees, Chad Pennington and both Mannings struggle in the symmetry department; they also could not crack the top 10.
According to the study, facial symmetry is an indicator of success, which means the Falcons are in very good hands this season as they look to make a second consecutive push for the playoffs. People with symmetrical faces also tend to earn more, which would explain Ryan's somewhat absurd rookie contract.
But is that the reason the good-looking men want to be quarterbacks? Probably not. That is a product of social construction.
"Socially," VanGilder told the Journal, "we've been trained to think that the quarterback is the most beautiful person on the team."
