18 Facts About Ollie Matson

Ollie Genoa Matson II was an American Olympic medal winning sprinter and professional football player.

Ollie Matson played as a running back in the National Football League from 1952 to 1966.

Ollie Matson was named to the Pro Bowl six times during the course of his career and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Ollie Matson graduated from George Washington High School in San Francisco in 1948.

Ollie Matson attended the City College of San Francisco prior to transferring to the University of San Francisco.

Ollie Matson was selected as an All-American and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy balloting that year.

Ollie Matson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976.

Ollie Matson won a bronze medal in the 400-meter run and a silver medal as part of the United States 4x400-meter relay team.

Ollie Matson was drafted in the first round of the 1952 NFL draft by the Chicago Cardinals, third pick overall.

Ollie Matson went on to share 1952 Rookie of the Year honors with Hugh McElhenny of the San Francisco 49ers.

Ollie Matson missed the entire 1953 season while serving in the United States Army.

New Cardinals head coach for 1958 Frank "Pop" Ivy took strong exception to such criticism of Ollie Matson lining up as a wide out, declaring:.

Ollie Matson was sent out as flanker with the idea of throwing to him.

Ollie Matson finished the aforementioned 1957 campaign as the NFL's sixth most prolific running back, with 577 yards gained in 134 carries, for a 4.3 yard average, with 6 touchdowns.

When Ollie Matson retired in 1966, his 12,799 career all-purpose yards were second only to Jim Brown.

Ollie Matson was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Ollie Matson married his wife Mary, whom he met when both were San Francisco teenagers in the mid-1940s, in 1952.

On February 19,2011, Ollie Matson died of dementia complications surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, California.