BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Born and raised in Atlanta, Ga., Robert Mathis became one of the greatest defensive pass rushers in not only the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) but also the National Football League (NFL).
Mathis attended McNair High School in Southeast Atlanta during the mid-to-late 1990’s, where he found his passion for the game of football before turning down an offer from Morehouse College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in his hometown, and accepting a scholarship offer and enrolling into Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M).
Known for his relentless work ethic, great strength, and attention to detail, Mathis became a terror to opposing defenses week-after-week, immediately, earning a starting spot on the defensive line at AAMU, while also playing various roles on special teams. One of the best at attacking the ball, Mathis could change the impact of a game quickly because of his size and willingness to get off the ball quickly.
Mathis demonstrated leadership and accountability on and off the field, earning himself the title of team captain and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, while setting an NCAA Division 1-AA single-season record with 20 sacks. Mathis finished his career at Alabama A&M with 223 total tackles (135 assisted/88 solo), 46 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries before entering the NFL Draft in 2003.
As an undersized lineman, Mathis was taken in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by head coach Tony Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts organization. There, Mathis would go on to become the best defensive pass rushers in the Colts organization history.
Mathis had trouble finding his footing the first season in the league, recording only three and half sacks, but would find his way into the Colts Ring of Honor, as he holds the team record for sack with 123 and the NFL record for strip-sacks with 47. Mathis earned Pro Bowl invitations in every season from 2008 through 2013 and in 2013, he also received an All-Pro first-team selection as he led the NFL in sacks with 19.5.
Mathis eventually returned to his alma mater, Alabama A&M, in 2010 to obtain a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in physical education and in late February 2020, the five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLI Champion was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.
Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.