Reggie Mathis facts for kids
| No. 56, 43, 50 | |
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| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 18, 1956 Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Notre Dame (Chattanooga) |
| College: | Navarro (1974) Oklahoma (1975–1978) |
| NFL Draft: | 1979 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |
Reggie Mathis (born March 18, 1956) is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). The Saints picked him in the second round of the 1979 NFL draft.
Reggie also played college football at Navarro College and the University of Oklahoma. After the NFL, he played in other leagues. These included the United States Football League (USFL), the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Arena Football League (AFL).
Contents
Early Life and College Football Journey
Reggie Mathis was born on March 18, 1956, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He went to Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.
Reggie wanted to play college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. However, he first played at Navarro College in 1974 because of academic rules. He then moved to the University of Oklahoma. He did not play in 1975 but was a key player from 1976 to 1978.
He started as a split end and tight end at Oklahoma. In 1977, he switched to defensive end. In 1976, he caught three passes for 41 yards. In 1978, he was named first-team All-Big Eight Conference.
Professional Football Career
Playing for the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints chose Reggie Mathis in the second round of the 1979 NFL draft. He was the 38th player picked overall. In his first year, 1979, he played in all 16 games for the Saints.
In 1980, he started all 16 games. He even caught one interception. The Saints had a tough year, finishing with one win and 15 losses. In 1981, Reggie was injured and missed the whole season. The Saints released him in 1982.
Time in Other Leagues
After the NFL, Reggie Mathis played in other football leagues.
United States Football League (USFL)
On November 3, 1982, Reggie signed with the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League (USFL). He retired from the team on March 25, 1983.
Later, on January 18, 1985, Reggie was traded to the San Antonio Gunslingers. He played for them during the 1985 season. He was released by the team later that year.
Canadian Football League (CFL)
In July 1985, Reggie signed a short trial contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played in five games for the Tiger-Cats in 1985. He recovered one fumble during his time there. In April 1986, he signed a three-year contract with the team. However, he was released before the season started in June 1986.
Arena Football League (AFL)
In 1988, Reggie Mathis joined the Detroit Drive in the Arena Football League (AFL). In the AFL, players often played both offense and defense. Reggie played as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman.
In 1988, he played in seven games. He helped the Drive finish with a 9–3 record. They won ArenaBowl II, beating the Chicago Bruisers 24–13.
In 1989, Reggie played in four games. He had six solo tackles and seven sacks. The team finished 3–1 and won ArenaBowl III against the Pittsburgh Gladiators 39–26. Reggie was named first-team All-Arena for his great performance that year.
He played in two games in 1990. The Detroit Drive won ArenaBowl IV against the Dallas Texans 51–27.
Life After Playing Football
After his playing career, Reggie Mathis became a coach. He coached semi-pro and indoor football teams. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma.
