Phidarian Mathis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Phidarian Mathis

Mathis with the Washington Commanders in 2024
No. 51 – 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 an American professional 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 picked 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, Mathis made 41 tackles and seven sacks. A "four-star recruit" means he was considered one of the top young players in the country. He chose to play college football at Alabama. He had also received 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. This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. This allowed him to gain experience without using up a year of his playing eligibility.

In his second year, he played in all 15 games for the Crimson Tide. He was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team. Later, Mathis had 31 tackles, five "tackles for loss," and 1.5 "sacks." He also caused one "fumble." A tackle for loss means stopping an opponent behind their starting line. A sack means tackling the quarterback before they can throw the ball. A fumble is when a player drops the ball.

During his time at Alabama, the Crimson Tide won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. After this successful season, Mathis decided to enter the 2022 NFL draft.

Professional Football Career

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders chose Phidarian Mathis in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 47th player picked overall. He signed his first professional contract on June 21, 2022.

In his very first NFL game, Mathis unfortunately got hurt. He tore the meniscus in his left knee. Because of this injury, he was placed on "injured reserve." This means a player cannot play for a certain time due to injury.

In August 2023, Mathis was again placed on injured reserve. This time, it was due to a calf injury. He was able to return to play in October of that year.

In 2024, Mathis played in 12 games for Washington. He made 17 tackles and had one "pass deflection." A pass deflection is when a defensive player touches or knocks down a pass thrown by the opposing team. On December 28, 2024, the Commanders "waived" him. This means they released him from their team.

New York Jets

Just two days later, on December 30, 2024, the New York Jets "claimed" Mathis. This means they picked him up after he was waived by the Commanders. He is now a player for the New York Jets.

Personal Life

Phidarian Mathis is also known by his nickname, Phil.