Introduction
Rashean Mathis is a former NFL cornerback who spent 13 seasons playing professional football. Born in Florida, he was a star athlete in high school and went on to play college football at Bethune-Cookman University. In 2003, Rashean Mathis was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played for ten years before joining the Detroit Lions for his final three seasons. In this blog post, we will explore Rashean Mathis’s rise, career, and legacy in the NFL.
1. High School and College Years
Rashean Mathis grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and played football at Englewood High School. He also excelled in basketball and track and field. After graduating high school, Mathis went on to play college football at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was a four-year starter and was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year twice.
2. Early NFL Career with the Jaguars
Rashean Mathis was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He started 11 games in his rookie season, finishing with 53 tackles and four interceptions. Mathis continued to play well in the following seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2006 and 2007. He also set a team record for interceptions in a single season, with eight in 2006.
3. Later Career with the Lions
After spending ten seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rashean Mathis signed with the Detroit Lions in 2013. He played three seasons with the team before announcing his retirement in 2016. Mathis finished his career with 32 interceptions, 612 tackles, and three touchdowns.
4. Legacy in the NFL
Rashean Mathis was known for his physical play, his ability to read opposing offenses, and his leadership on the field. He was a respected member of the NFL Players Association and an active participant in community service initiatives. Mathis’s impact on the Jaguars’ franchise was recognized in 2020 when he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
5. Life After Football
Since retiring from football, Rashean Mathis has remained active in Jacksonville’s community. He founded The Rashean Mathis Foundation, which works to improve the lives of underprivileged youth in the city. Mathis has also worked as a high school football coach, and he is currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff.
6. FAQs:
Q1: What was Rashean Mathis’s best season in the NFL?
A1: Rashean Mathis’s best season in the NFL was in 2006, when he was named to the Pro Bowl and set a Jaguars team record for interceptions in a single season with eight.
Q2: How many interceptions did Rashean Mathis have in his career?
A2: Rashean Mathis had 32 interceptions in his 13-year NFL career.
Q3: Did Rashean Mathis win any awards for his play?
A3: Yes, Rashean Mathis was a two-time Pro Bowler in 2006 and 2007. He was also named to the All-Pro second team in 2006.
Q4: What is the Rashean Mathis Foundation?
A4: The Rashean Mathis Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Rashean Mathis that works to improve the lives of underprivileged youth in Jacksonville, Florida.
Q5: What is Rashean Mathis doing now?
A5: Rashean Mathis is currently a member of the coaching staff for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Q6: What teams did Rashean Mathis play for in the NFL?
A6: Rashean Mathis played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for ten seasons and the Detroit Lions for three seasons.
Q7: Was Rashean Mathis inducted into any Hall of Fame?
A7: Yes, Rashean Mathis was inducted into the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Hall of Fame in 2020.
7. Conclusion
Rashean Mathis’s rise to stardom began in his high school years and continued throughout his college career. His physical play, ability to read offenses, and leadership on the field made him a respected member of the NFL. Since retiring from football, Mathis has remained active in his community, working to improve the lives of underprivileged youth in Jacksonville. His contributions to the game of football and the city of Jacksonville have earned him a spot in the Jaguars’ Hall of Fame and the admiration of fans and colleagues alike.
8. Call-To-Action
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