Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame
Robert Mathis is one of Alabama A&M's most-recognized alumni.
During his collegiate football career, Mathis was a four-year starter from 1999-2002 on Alabama A&M's defense, where he emerged as one of the most-prominent pass rushers in Southwestern Athletic Conference history.
In 39 games at Alabama A&M, Mathis recorded 221 tackles while setting a program records with 44 sacks and 20 forced fumbles.
As a senior in 2002, Mathis set a Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision) record with 20 sacks. That season, he also recorded 58 tackles while setting an Alabama A&M record with 32 tackles for loss while forcing 10 fumbles.
Mathis holds six Alabama A&M records: Career sacks (44); single-season sacks (32); single-game sacks (5); career tackles for loss (88.5); single-season tackles for loss (32); single-game tackles for loss (8).
After graduating from Alabama A&M with a bachelor degree in Physical Education, Mathis was selected in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, where he played 14 seasons while helping the franchise win Super Bowl XLI.
During his NFL career, Mathis was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was the 2013 AFC Defensive Player of the Year.
Mathis retired as a player following the 2016 NFL season, finishing his career as the Colts' all-time sacks leader with 123. During his NFL career, Mathis recorded 604 tackles, 52 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries and an interception. He finished his career ranked 17th in NFL history in sacks, and his 47 sack-forced fumbles are an NFL record.
Even though Mathis retired from the NFL as a player, he continues to work with the Colts as a pass rush consultant.
