Phidarian Mathis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Phidarian Mathis

Mathis with the Washington Commanders in 2024
No. 98 – New York Jets
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1998-04-26) April 26, 1998 (age 27) Wisner, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	312 lb (142 kg)
Career information
High school:	Neville (Monroe, Louisiana)
College:	Alabama (2017–2021)
NFL Draft:	2022 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47
Career history
Washington Commanders (2022) New York Jets (2024–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
CFP national champion (2020) Second-team All-SEC (2021)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 25 Fumble recoveries: 1 Pass deflections: 1
Player stats at PFR

Phidarian "Phil" Mathis (born April 26, 1998) is a professional American football player. He plays as a defensive tackle for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Washington Commanders chose him in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Football

Phidarian Mathis was born on April 26, 1998, in Wisner, Louisiana. He first went to Franklin Parish High School. After his second year, he moved to Monroe, Louisiana. There, he attended Neville High School.

During his senior year at Neville High, Mathis made 41 tackles and seven sacks. He was considered a top player, earning a four-star recruit rating. Mathis decided to play college football at Alabama. He chose Alabama over offers from other big schools like LSU and TCU.

College Football Career

Mathis started his college career at Alabama. He spent his first year as a "redshirt" freshman, meaning he practiced but did not play in games. This allowed him to gain experience without using a year of his playing eligibility.

In his second year, as a redshirt freshman, he played in all 15 games for the Crimson Tide. He was recognized for his strong play and was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team. Mathis continued to improve, making 31 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He also forced one fumble. During his time at Alabama, his team won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. After the season, Mathis decided to enter the 2022 NFL draft.

Professional Football Journey

Phidarian Mathis began his professional career in the NFL in 2022.

Time with the Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders picked Mathis in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 47th player chosen overall. Mathis signed his first professional contract, a four-year deal, on June 21, 2022.

Unfortunately, in his very first NFL game, Mathis suffered an injury. He tore the meniscus in his left knee. This injury meant he had to be placed on injured reserve, which kept him from playing for a while.

In 2023, Mathis faced another setback. On August 31, he was placed on injured reserve again due to a calf injury. He was able to return to play on October 28 of that year.

During the 2024 season, Mathis played in 12 games for Washington. He recorded one pass deflection and made 17 tackles. On December 28, 2024, the Commanders decided to release him from their team.

Joining the New York Jets

Just two days later, on December 30, 2024, the New York Jets claimed Phidarian Mathis. This means they picked him up from the waiver wire, giving him a new team to play for.

Personal Life

Phidarian Mathis is often called by his nickname, Phil.