Ollie Matson was a legendary football player who left an indelible mark on the sport. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972, recognizing his outstanding contributions and achievements in the NFL.
Starting his career with the Chicago Cardinals in 1952, Matson was known for his blistering speed and tireless endurance, traits that made him one of the most feared opponents on the field.
Matson’s journey to the Hall of Fame began at George Washington High School in San Francisco, where he excelled in both football and track and field. His college career at the University of San Francisco further showcased his talent, as he averaged 5.5 yards per carry and led the Dons to an undefeated record source.
Beyond his football achievements, Matson’s impact was felt off the field as well, inspiring countless young athletes with his dedication and sportsmanship.
In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Matson was included in the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team, highlighting his influence on the game’s history. His legacy continues to be celebrated, reminding us of the remarkable athletes who have shaped the sport of football.
Who Is Ollie Matson?
Ollie Matson was a prolific football player known for his incredible speed and versatility. A standout in both college and professional football, he also excelled as an Olympic sprinter.
Where Did Ollie Matson Grow Up?
Ollie Matson grew up in the Bay Area. Born in Trinity, Texas, on May 1, 1930, he later moved to San Francisco. He attended George Washington High School, where he displayed his athletic prowess.
Matson was a gridiron star and a champion sprinter, timing at 9.6 seconds in the 100-yard dash. His early years in San Francisco helped shape his athletic career, providing him with numerous opportunities to engage in various sports and build his skills.
Where Does Ollie Matson Live?
Ollie Matson spent his later years in Los Angeles, California. After an illustrious career in professional football and athletics, he made Los Angeles his home.
He passed away on February 19, 2011, in Los Angeles. The city was significant in his life, as it was where he spent his final years, surrounded by family and friends. His connection to Los Angeles extended beyond his playing days, making it an important part of his personal history.
Who Is Ollie Matson Married To?
Ollie Matson was married to Mary Matson. Their marriage was a cornerstone of his personal life, offering him stability and support throughout his career.
Mary was often seen as a strong pillar, helping him navigate the challenges and triumphs of his professional and personal life. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and shared commitment, making Mary an integral part of Ollie Matson’s life story.
Does Ollie Matson Have Children?
Ollie Matson had children with his wife, Mary. His family life was one of his greatest joys, providing him with a sense of purpose beyond the football field.
While the specifics about his children are not as well-documented, it’s known that he cherished his roles as a father and husband. His family continued to honor his legacy after his passing, ensuring that his contributions to sports and his community were remembered and celebrated.
Ollie Matson College Football Career
Ollie Matson had an impressive college football career at the University of San Francisco. He was a standout player, earning numerous accolades and setting records.
Where Did Ollie Matson Play College Football?
Ollie Matson played college football at the University of San Francisco (USF). As a member of the San Francisco Dons, Matson was a key player from 1949 to 1951.
He attended George Washington High School before enrolling at USF. His time with the Dons was marked by exceptional performance on the field, which helped elevate the program’s national profile.
Did Ollie Matson Coach College Football?
Ollie Matson did not coach college football. His post-playing career did not involve a transition to coaching either at the collegiate or professional level. Instead, he focused on other ventures after retiring from professional football.
What Awards Did Ollie Matson Accomplish In College Football?
During his time with the San Francisco Dons, Ollie Matson earned several prestigious awards. He was named an All-American in 1951 due to his outstanding performance on the field.
Matson also made it to the All-Coast and Catholic All-American teams in 1949 and 1950. His exceptional talent and contributions to the game led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976.
What Bowl Games Did Ollie Matson Win In College Football?
Ollie Matson and the San Francisco Dons did not participate in any bowl games during his college career. Despite his individual success and the team’s strong performances, the Dons were not invited to any of the major bowl games of that era.
Ollie Matson Professional Football Career
Ollie Matson, a legendary figure in professional football, had an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. As a running back, he set many records and achieved numerous milestones.
Did Ollie Matson Play In The NFL?
Ollie Matson was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the 1952 NFL Draft. His rookie season started strong, and he quickly became known for his speed and versatility.
Matson spent much of his career with the Chicago Cardinals, showcasing his skills as a running back and a kick returner.
Matson later played for other teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles. Throughout his career, he accumulated significant rushing and receiving yards.
Matson was known for his ability to break through defenses and make big plays.
Did Ollie Matson Coach In The NFL?
There is no record of Ollie Matson serving as a coach in the NFL. His contributions were primarily on the field as a player, where he made a lasting impact.
Matson’s post-football career did not involve coaching, but his legacy as a player continues to be celebrated.
What Awards Did Ollie Matson Accomplish In Professional Football?
Ollie Matson earned numerous awards throughout his football career. He was named an NFL first-team All-Pro seven times and selected to the Pro Bowl six times.
Matson’s outstanding performances earned him these accolades, reflecting his exceptional abilities on the field.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972, recognizing his contributions to the sport. Additionally, Matson was included in the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team. These honors highlight his standing as one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL.
Did Ollie Matson Win A Super Bowl?
Ollie Matson did not win a Super Bowl during his career. Most of his playing years were in the era before the Super Bowl was established in 1967.
Despite this, Matson’s individual performances and contributions to the teams he played for were significant and deeply respected.
Matson’s value to the teams he played for, including the Chicago Cardinals, was evident in his statistics and accolades. While a Super Bowl win was not part of his career achievements, his legacy in professional football remains strong due to his consistent excellence on the field.
What Is Ollie Matson Up To Now?
Ollie Matson, a celebrated Football Hall of Famer and Olympic medalist, left an indelible mark on both football and track. Although he passed away in 2011, his legacy and contributions to sports remain significant and memorable for fans and historians alike.
Is Ollie Matson Still Involved In Football?
Ollie Matson passed away on February 19, 2011. During his lifetime, he was highly respected for his contributions to football, especially during his time with the Chicago Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.
After retiring from professional football in 1966, Matson remained connected to the sport through various engagements, although his direct involvement diminished over time. The lessons and experiences from his football career continue to inspire and influence new generations of athletes and fans.
Does Ollie Matson Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Since Ollie Matson passed away in 2011, he is no longer able to participate in speaking engagements. However, during his lifetime, he was a frequent speaker at many educational and sports-related events.
He often shared his experiences from both his football career and his time as an Olympic athlete, where he won a bronze medal in the 400-meter race and a silver medal in the 1,600-meter relay at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.
Does Ollie Matson Have A Podcast?
Ollie Matson did not have a podcast. His career spanned from the early 1950s through the mid-1960s, long before the era of digital media and podcasts.
Over various points in his career, he was featured in interviews and documentaries that highlighted his achievements in football and track. His journey from being an All-America college star at the University of San Francisco to competing in the Olympic Games remains a source of inspiration for many.
Has Ollie Matson Gone Into Broadcasting?
Ollie Matson did not venture into broadcasting after his retirement from professional sports. His focus remained on other post-retirement activities, and he did not take up a role as a broadcaster or sports commentator.
Despite this, his impact on the sports community was profound, as he continued to be celebrated through various honors, including his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. His legacy in both football and athletics continues to be honored and remembered by fans and sports historians alike.
What Is Ollie Matson Net Worth?
Ollie Matson was a remarkable football player and a Hall of Famer. He played 14 years in the NFL, showcasing his skills with teams like the Chicago Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams.
His net worth at the time of his death in 2011 was not widely publicized. Estimates suggest it could have been modest compared to today’s athletes.
Despite his success on the field, players in Matson’s era did not earn the high salaries common among current NFL players. Additional income might have stemmed from endorsements and post-football ventures, but detailed financial records are scarce.
After his football career, he made appearances in advertisements and possibly engaged in business ventures, yet specific details are not broadly documented.
For more on his life and career, you can read profiles like the one on Pro Football Hall of Fame or his story at Pro Football History.