Ollie Matson(born May 1, 1930, in Trinity, Texas) was an All-American from the University of San Francisco on defensive. Upon 1952, he was signed to play with the Chicago Cardinals as an impressive halfback.
In 1959 he was traded by the Cardinals to the Los Angeles Rams for nine of their players, hoping to give the Rams a long awaited championship. Not upon his fault, he didn't lead them to a championship. Obviously, the greatness Matson achieved on National Football League gridirons must be considered an individual accomplishment. He never enjoyed the winning team momentum to carry him along and only two of the 14 teams on which he played finished over the .500 mark. Enemy defenses almost always concentrated on him alone. Yet his career record is exceptional.
He played with the Detroit Lions in 1963, and from 1964-1966 he played with the Philadelphia Eagles.
U.S. Olympics
Upon being drafted by the Chicago Cardinals, he delayed his signing so he could compete in the American track team in the 1952 Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the 400-meter race and a gold medal from the 1,600-meter relay . When he finally joined the Cardinals he experienced a sensational rookie season.
Military Service
Then military service interrupted his career for a year but, once back in a football uniform, he was an All-NFL performer, year in and year out. During his 14 pro seasons Ollie earned first- or second-team All-NFL honors six times and was selected to play in six Pro Bowls.
