Ollie Matson

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Oliver Adrian Matson (born May 1, 1930 in Trinity, Texas) was a American football running back who played in the National Football League, from 1952 and 1954 to 1966.

College career

Matson attended the City College of San Francisco prior to transferring to the University of San Francisco. In 1951, Matson's senior year at USF, he led the nation in rushing yardage and touchdowns en route to leading the Dons to an undefeated season. He was selected as an All-American and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy balloting that year. One of his teammates that year was Bill Dando. Dando later was the head coach of the Buffalo Bulls at the University of Buffalo.

He then played for the Chicago Cardinals, where he was the #1 draft pick, and shared 1952 Rookie of the Year honors with Hugh McElhenny of the San Francisco 49ers. During his 14-year career, Matson also played for the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was named to the Pro Bowl 5 times (1952, 1954 to 1957). Matson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Matson also holds a bronze medal in the 440-meter race and a gold medal for the 1600-meter relay from the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland.

External links

Pro Football Hall of Fame: [Member profile]

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