Evan Mathis

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Evan Bradley Mathis (born November 1, 1981 in Birmingham) is a football guard for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Early years

Mathis graduated from Homewood High School in 2000 where he played under head coach Bob Newton. Mathis was also a wrestler and won the 2000 AHSAA 6A heavyweight championship.

College career

Although he bulked up from 240 pounds to 276 after signing with Alabama in February 2000,1 Mathis was redshirted as a true freshman. In April 2001, he was named the Paul Crane Most Improved Offensive Lineman for Alabama along with tight end Theo Sanders.2 He competed with Alonzo Ephraim for the starting center job during spring practice in 2001,3 but lost out. Instead, he beat out Dante Ellington for the starting right tackle job,4 making his first start against South Carolina.5

Mathis started four seasons on the offensive line for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. His first three years he played tackle, before shifting to left guard as a senior. He starting 47 consecutive games beginning in the 4th game of his redshirt freshman year. He helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for the Tide to lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards per game in 2004.

Professional career

Mathis played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2008–10. He did not allow a sack during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.6

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Mathis to a one-year contract on July 31, 2011.7 Immediately after the preseason, Mathis won the starting job at left guard for the 2011 season.8 ProFootballFocus.com rated Mathis as the best left guard in the NFL for the 2011 season.9 He was re-signed to a five-year, $25 million contract on March 17, 2012.

Personal

His uncle is Bob Baumhower, who played defensive tackle for Alabama and the Miami Dolphins.10

In 2010, Mathis founded Zone Athletic Performance in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and many other professional athletes train in the off-season.11

References

  1. Lumpkin III, Bill (June 16, 2000). "Alabama, Mississippi stars face off tonight". Gasden Times. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  2. Deas, Tommy (April 15, 2001). "Croyle wrestles Myles down after touchdown". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  3. Hurt, Cecil (March 15, 2001). "Franchione doesn't see same move as Tuesday". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  4. Hurt, Cecil (August 5, 2002). "Dante Ellington takes redshirt to improve". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  5. Hurt, Cecil (October 4, 2001). "Franchione shuffles secondary lineup". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  6. Swarz, Bryn (July 31, 2011). "Allure Of Mudd Lures Vet Mathis". philadelphiaeagles.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  7. Graziano, Dan (July 31, 2011). "Eagles sign Mathis, wait out Watkins". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  8. McLane, Jeff (August 27, 2011). "Herremans to RT; Mathis to LG". philly.com. Retrieved 2011-08-27.
  9. Elsayed, Khaled (January 5, 2012). "2011 PFF All-Pro Team". profootballfocus.com. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
  10. Kiper Jr., Mel (August 12, 2002). "Alabama in hunt in SEC West". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  11. Obert, Richard (June 17, 2011). "NFL lineman getting himself, others in shape at his Scottsdale gym". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  • Evan Mathis. (April 13, 2012). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed April 18, 2012.

External links

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