Back to the Atlanta Falcons Newsfeed

Mathis’ long journey from McNair to NFL stardom

FLOWERY BRANCH – Back in 1999 when he was splicing together a VHS tape of his McNair High highlights, Robert Mathis had no idea that it would take to the top of the professional football world.

As a smallish defensive end, Mathis envisioned himself playing in the NFL and needed to drum up interest from the college ranks. Only Alabama A&M offered him after receiving his tape.

+Mathisu2019 long journey from McNair to NFL stardom photo
Robert Mathis (Associated Press)

It’s been a long journey since and it has taken Mathis to Pro Bowls, Super Bowls, through the death of his beloved mother, a suspension and the recovery from 10 surgeries from a ruptured tendon.