Mathis is from Bartlett, Texas, a town of less than 2,000 people and located nearly 90 miles from Bobcat Stadium. A two-way player for the 1A school, Mathis was an all-state cornerback and running back and helped lead the team to two state titles.
Mathis, who is already in the Texas State Hall of Honor, went on to play for the Bobcats from 1993 to 1997. He redshirted during his first year, but from his first playing season in 1994, he made his name known to all that would listen. Or better yet, the ones on the other side of the ball when he was running past them.
As a redshirt freshman in 1994, Mathis was named the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year and first team all-conference (he went on to be a four-time first team all-conference player). Two years later, he was named the conference’s player of the year as well as an All-American, both for the first time. In 1997, he was named a first team All-American and captured the conference player of the year award once again.
Among the many qualifications to be considered for the College Football Hall of Fame, a player must earn the distinction of being a first team All-American by one of the organizations or publications that the NCAA recognizes in its tabulation of consensus All-American status.
Mathis achieved that level of national status – first team All-American by the AFCA, The Sports Network and Associated Press – 26 years ago and set into motion an emotional moment he finally got to experience this year.
“I never thought about (being considered for the College Football Hall of Fame), but that’s the highest honor you can get (as a college football player),” said Mathis. “It had never once crossed my mind. Now the high school (football hall of fame), it crossed my mind. But college, I know I did a lot of things in college and I am in the Hall of Honor (at Texas State), but I never thought about the College Football Hall of Fame. I look at all the accomplishments I had done with my teammates, I’m really humble about the whole situation.”
Being among the names on the hall of fame ballot was a culmination of quite the last six months for Mathis. In December, he led DeSoto to a Class 6A Division 2 state championship, his first high school state title as a coach. He also got to win the championship coaching two of his five children, twins Caimon and Crimson.
“It has been a crazy – what I should say, is a fun and enjoyable six months,” reflected Mathis. “All the accolades I have received and my team has received, it has helped me realize that I’m very blessed. Winning state was unbelievable. I got to share it with my kids, my family, my players, my coaches. Then all the accolades I received during the season, the coach of the year awards, my son getting the player of the year, the all-states, the players of the year – it’s things like that that have made this moment even better. And then I get the phone call (from Don) to cap it off, saying you got nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame and you’re on the ballot. That right there has capped it all off. This one is the icing on the cake.”
Known for his speed and vision, Mathis tried to emulate his favorite player, Tony Dorsett. He prided himself on making the opponent miss one on one. Inside, outside, catch the ball out of the backfield – Mathis was a player who could do it all it seemed.
“I loved making guys look bad,” said Mathis.
“I love the game of football,” said Mathis. “But I also love to make kids be successful and want them to be successful. I want them to make it in life. Football is a game that can pay your own way. It can pay for your education. So, if you’re good at it, why not take advantage of it? It’s about life and these kids maturing. That’s what I’m about, and that’s why I love the game so much. It was so good to me so why not give back to it.”
