When teammates hear the Indianapolis Colts' oldest starter bark out instructions or crack pads, they tune in. When they see Mathis hang out in Anderson University's dorms or hear him explain how privileged he feels to return each summer, they listen attentively. When they see Mathis take an occasional day off at training camp or run around with his kids after a practice, they realize he is no ordinary 35-year-old linebacker.
He is as determined and passionate as he was the day he arrived at his first training camp in 2003.
''You have to work for everything you get,'' Mathis said.