Ollie Matson facts for kids
Matson in 1959
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| Position: | Halfback | ||||||||||||||
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| Born: | May 1, 1930 Trinity, Texas |
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| Died: | February 19, 2011 (aged 80) Los Angeles, California |
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| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | San Francisco (CA) Washington | ||||||||||||||
| College: | San Francisco | ||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1952 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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College Football Hall of Fame
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| Olympic medal record | ||
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| Men's athletics | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| Silver | 1952 Helsinki | 4 × 400 metres relay |
| Bronze | 1952 Helsinki | 400 metres |
Ollie Genoa Matson II (born May 1, 1930 – died February 19, 2011) was an amazing American athlete. He was an Olympic medal winner in sprinting. He also played professional American football as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). His career in the NFL lasted from 1952 to 1966.
Ollie Matson was first picked by the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL draft. Later, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in a big deal involving nine players. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl six times during his career. In 1972, he was honored by being elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Ollie Matson's College Football Journey
Ollie Matson finished high school at George Washington High School in San Francisco in 1948. He then went to City College of San Francisco. After that, he transferred to the University of San Francisco.
In 1951, during his last year at the University of San Francisco, Matson was a star player. He led the whole country in rushing yards and touchdowns. His team, the San Francisco Dons, had a perfect season, winning all their games. Ollie was named an All-American player that year. He also finished ninth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, which is a huge award for college football players.
Even though his team had a perfect 9–0 record, they were not invited to play in a major bowl game. It was later said that some bowl games in the Southern United States did not invite teams with African American players. The University of San Francisco bravely refused to play without its two African American team members.
In 1976, Ollie Matson was recognized for his college achievements. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Ollie Matson at the Olympic Games
Before he started his NFL career in 1952, Ollie Matson was a talented track and field athlete. He was part of the United States Olympic Team. He competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland.
At these Olympic Games, Matson won two medals. He earned a bronze medal in the 400-meter run. He also won a silver medal as part of the United States 4x400-meter relay team. This showed his incredible speed and athletic ability.
Ollie Matson's NFL Career Highlights
Ollie Matson was a top pick in the 1952 NFL draft. The Chicago Cardinals chose him as the third player overall. In his first year, he shared the "Rookie of the Year" award with Hugh McElhenny of the San Francisco 49ers.
Matson did not play in the 1953 season because he was serving in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the All-Army football team.
In 1957, the Chicago Cardinals used Matson in different ways, even as a wide receiver. Some people wondered if this made him less effective as a running back. However, his coach, Frank "Pop" Ivy, strongly disagreed. He said that opponents were so afraid of Matson's skills that they would always guard him very closely, no matter where he played on the field.
In that 1957 season, Matson was still one of the NFL's best running backs. He gained 577 yards and scored 6 touchdowns by running. He also caught 20 passes for 451 yards and 3 touchdowns.
After the 1958 season, the Cardinals traded Matson to the Los Angeles Rams. This was a huge trade, as the Rams gave up nine players to get him! Matson also played for the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was selected for the Pro Bowl six times during his career (in 1952 and from 1954 to 1958).
When Ollie Matson retired in 1966, he had 12,799 career all-purpose yards. This was the second-highest total in NFL history at the time, only behind the legendary Jim Brown.
In 1972, Ollie Matson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This honor recognized him as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
Ollie Matson's Personal Life and Passing
Ollie Matson married his wife, Mary, in 1952. They had met as teenagers in San Francisco. They lived in the same Los Angeles home from the time he played for the Los Angeles Rams until he passed away.
In his later years, Ollie Matson faced health challenges related to a brain disease. He passed away on February 19, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by his family.
See also
In Spanish: Ollie Matson para niños
- List of college football yearly rushing leaders
- List of NCAA major college football yearly scoring leaders
