The Indianapolis Colts struck gold in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft when they selected defensive end Dwight Freeney. They probably didn't realize a year later that they'd done it again when they chose Robert Mathis out of tiny Alabama A&M in the fifth.
Standing at just 6'2", 245, Mathis was considered undersized as an edge rusher, and coupled with being from a Division I-AA school, he was overlooked, to say the least.
The Colts never regretted a moment after selecting Mathis, as he made a quick impact, registering 10.5 and 11.5 sacks in his second and third seasons, respectively, despite only starting one game in that time.
When all was said and done, Mathis spent his entire 14-year career with the Colts, retiring in 2016 as the franchise's all-time leader in sacks (123.0) after starting 121-of-192 games and amassing 538 tackles, 141 quarterback hits, 17 fumbles recovered, 1 interception, 18 pass breakups, 1 safety, and 3 defensive touchdowns.
Mathis compiled five double-digit sack seasons, including leading the league with 19.5 in 2013. He led the NFL in forced fumbles in three separate seasons, including 10 in 2013, which is tied for the most in NFL history for a single season. Mathis' 54 career forced fumbles are the most in NFL history, and he also ranks 20th all-time in sacks, and 37th in tackles for loss (108).
He and Freeney were one of the most feared defensive pairs in the entire NFL for a decade.
Mathis was a member of the Colts' Super Bowl XLI-winning squad where he had 3 tackles (1 for loss) and a forced fumble. He was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2013 and was also a five-time Pro Bowler.
Since retiring, Mathis returned to the Colts and spent time as a Pass Rush Consultant and specialized in player development. He has also started The Gridiron Gang alongside former Colts defensive lineman Daniel Muir. Their organization "provides athletic development and sports performance training for football players, in all positions and of all levels – from NFL Athletes to Youth."
DAYS UNTIL KICKOFF
More must-reads: