Robert Mathis

Robert Nathan Mathis (born February 26, 1981) is an American football outside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama A&M, and was drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Early years

Mathis was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended McNair High School in Atlanta.

College career

Mathis enrolled in at Alabama A&M University, where he was a four-year starter for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs football team. He set an NCAA I-AA record with 20 sacks during his senior season and established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in NCAA I-AA history. In the summer of 2010, Mathis graduated with a degree in exercise science with a minor in physical education, and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Nu Epsilon chapter.

Professional career

Indianapolis Colts

2003–2005

Mathis was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 138th selection in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Mathis immediately stepped in during his rookie season as a pass rush specialist, seeing action in all 16 regular season games and recording 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. During his second season, Mathis took another step forward as he increased his numbers to 36 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, despite appearing only as a specialist and starting only 1 game. In Mathis's third season, he set a Colts franchise record with 8 consecutive games with at least 1 sack, and finished the season with 54 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles, despite missing three games due to injuries.