Tom Matte
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Tom Matte | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | June 14, 1939 |
| Place of birth | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Position(s) | RB |
| College | Ohio State |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1961-1972 | Baltimore Colts |
Tom Matte (born June 14, 1939, in Pittsburgh, PA) was an American football player who played quarterback in college and (mostly) running back in the NFL in the 1960s and 1970s and earned a Super Bowl Ring. He attended Shaw High School in East Cleveland and is an Eagle Scout[citation needed]. Matte was an All-American back at Ohio State University.
His twelve year pro-career was spent with the Baltimore Colts where he posted career stats of 4,646 rushing yards, 249 receptions for 2,869 yards, 1,367 yards returning kickoffs, and 57 touchdowns(45 rushing, 12 receiving). Matte also filled in as an emergency quarterback when Colt QBs Johnny Unitas and Gary Cuozzo went down with injuries. Colt head coach Don Shula put a list of plays on a wristband that Matte wore during the game (and that wristband is now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame).
Tom was immortalized on the cover of Sports Illustrated, scoring his third touchdown of the afternoon in the NFL Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns, January 5, 1969. (http://www.sipictures.com/source/CFW/details_Pop.aspx?iid=92073002&cdi=0)
Matte was selected for two Pro Bowls and played in two Super Bowls, earning a ring at Super Bowl V where the Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys.
Matte briefly was a color analyst on CBS coverage of football games. Since 1996, Matte has teamed with Baltimore sportscaster Scott Garceau in broadcasting Baltimore Ravens games on local radio. He also pursues local business interests and is in demand as a celebrity endorser.
He still holds the Super Bowl record of highest average gain for rushing yardage; 10.5 ( 116 yards in only 11 carries)
| Preceded by: Jim Houston |
Ohio State Buckeyes Football Season MVP 1960 |
Succeeded by: Bob Ferguson |
