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Damarri Mathis
Damarri Mathis
Damarri Mathis
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Damarri Deshon Mathis (born April 12, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Mathis grew up in Lakeland, Florida and attended Lakeland Senior High School. Mathis was rated a three-star recruit and initially committed to play college football at South Carolina.[1] He later decommitted from South Carolina and signed to play at Pittsburgh.[2]

College career

[edit]

Mathis played in nine games as a freshman, appearing mostly on special teams.[3] Mathis played in all 13 of Pittsburgh's games with 10 starts in his junior season and recorded 23 tackles 23 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions.[4] He suffered a non-football related shoulder injury prior to his senior season and used a medical redshirt.[5] In his fifth season, Mathis played in 13 games and had 44 tackles, with six passes broken up and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and was named honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference.[6][7] After the conclusion of his college career, he played in the 2022 Senior Bowl.[8]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11 in
(1.80 m) 		196 lb
(89 kg) 		31+7⁄8 in
(0.81 m) 		8+1⁄4 in
(0.21 m)		 4.39 s 1.54 s 2.58 s 4.22 s 43.5 in
(1.10 m)		 11 ft 1 in
(3.38 m)		 15 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[9][10][11]

Denver Broncos

[edit]

Mathis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round, 115th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft.[12]

After a strong rookie season in 2022, Mathis entered the 2023 season as the Broncos second starting cornerback opposite Patrick Surtain II.[13] Following the Broncos' historic 70–20 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, however, he was benched in favor of veteran Fabian Moreau.[14]

Ahead of the 2024 season, Mathis participated in a camp battle with second-year cornerback Riley Moss, rookie Kris Abrams-Draine, and newly-signed veteran Levi Wallace.[15] Moss was eventually named the starter, with Mathis serving as a backup.[16] On August 27, 2024, Mathis was placed on short-term injured reserve by the Broncos following an ankle injury sustained in Week 3 of the preseason.[17] He was activated on October 17, mainly playing on special teams and as a dimeback for the remainder of the season.[18][19]

On August 25, 2025, Mathis was waived by the Broncos.[20]

Carolina Panthers

[edit]

On August 27, 2025, Mathis was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers.[21] He suffered a torn ACL in practice and was placed on injured reserve on September 6, ending his season.[22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Damarri Mathis

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Damarri Mathis (born April 12, 1999) is an currently on injured reserve for the of the (NFL). Mathis played at the , where he was a three-year starter at for the Pitt Panthers from 2018 to 2021, missing the 2020 season due to injury. Over 46 games, he accumulated 87 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions (including one touchdown), and 19 pass deflections, earning honorable mention All-ACC honors in 2021 after leading the team with two interceptions and six pass breakups. Selected by the in the fourth round (115th overall) of the , Mathis spent his first three professional seasons with the team, appearing in 43 games with 18 starts and recording 103 tackles and 9 pass deflections. In his year, he started 11 games and contributed 65 tackles along with 7 pass deflections. After being waived by Denver on August 26, 2025, Mathis was claimed off waivers by the the following day. However, he suffered a torn ACL during his first practice with the Panthers, resulting in his placement on injured reserve on September 6, 2025, and ruling him out for the entire season.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Damarri Mathis was born on April 12, 1999, in Lakeland, Florida. He is the son of Chris Mathis and Hope Hamilton, and has two brothers. Growing up in Lakeland, a community with a storied high school football tradition dating back to the 1920s, Mathis was exposed to the sport early through youth leagues, where he played on the offensive side of the ball and aspired to play college football for Florida State. This immersion in Lakeland's football culture, known for producing state champions and NFL talent, fostered his passion for the game and naturally progressed into organized high school athletics.

High school career

Damarri Mathis attended Lakeland Senior High School in , where he emerged as a standout . He began his varsity career as a and became a three-year starter at , showcasing his athleticism and coverage skills on a competitive team known for its storied football tradition. Over his high school career, Mathis recorded 73 tackles, five interceptions, and 27 pass deflections, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks. As a key contributor to the Lakeland Dreadnaughts' defense, he helped the team secure district championships in 2015 (9-3 overall record) and 2016 (8-3 overall record), advancing to the playoffs both seasons in Florida's highly competitive 7A classification. His performances in notable games, including shutdown coverage against top regional opponents, solidified his reputation as one of the area's top defensive prospects. Mathis attracted attention from multiple college programs during his recruitment, earning offers from UCF, , Ole Miss, Southern Miss, and , to which he initially committed in August 2016. Rated as a three-star recruit by scouting services, he ultimately decommitted and signed with the in December 2016, becoming one of the Panthers' key commitments in the 2017 class.

College career

University of Pittsburgh

Damarri Mathis enrolled at the in 2017, joining the Pitt Panthers as a true defensive back from Lakeland High School in , where he had committed following a competitive recruitment process. During his season, Mathis saw limited action primarily on special teams and as a reserve , appearing in seven games while focusing on development in the ACC's competitive environment. In his sophomore year of 2018, he expanded his role, playing in all 13 games with two starts, contributing initial tackles and pass breakups as he honed his skills against conference opponents. Mathis broke out in his junior season of 2019, starting 10 of 13 games and establishing himself as a key member of the secondary with increased snaps and defensive contributions, including multiple that highlighted his ball skills. He missed the entire season due to a preseason injury but returned strongly in 2021 for his senior year, starting all 13 games and adapting seamlessly to the rigors of ACC play as the Panthers' top cover corner. Notable moments included a 35-yard return for a in the season opener against , a career-high seven tackles against , and an in a victory over Clemson, showcasing his ability to make plays against rivals. Academically, Mathis earned a in communications from the while pursuing a second major in . In his senior year, he demonstrated leadership in the secondary, serving as a vocal presence and mentor to younger players amid Pitt's successful campaign. To prepare for the NFL Draft, Mathis opted out of the , focusing on pro evaluations that ultimately led to his selection.

Career statistics and awards

Over his four-year college career at the from 2017 to 2021, Damarri Mathis appeared in 46 games, accumulating 87 total tackles (66 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 19 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions for 65 yards and 1 . He did not record any forced fumbles or fumble recoveries during this period. Mathis's statistical contributions evolved notably across seasons, reflecting his development as a . As a in 2017, he played in 7 games with limited snaps, recording 2 tackles and 1 pass deflection. His year in 2018 saw increased involvement in 13 games, where he tallied 18 tackles (13 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 , and 1 pass deflection. In 2019 as a junior, Mathis started 10 of 13 games and emerged as a key pass defender, posting 23 tackles (19 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections, and 2 for 15 yards. His senior season in 2021 marked a career high in tackles with 44 (32 solo) over 13 starts, alongside 2 for 50 yards and 1 , and 6 pass deflections, though he recorded no tackles for loss.
SeasonGamesTackles (Solo)TFLINT (Yds)PD
201772 (2)0.00 (0)1
20181318 (13)2.51 (0)1
20191323 (19)2.02 (15)11
20211344 (32)0.02 (50)6
Career4687 (66)4.55 (65)19
Mathis received several recognitions for his performance, including honorable mention All-ACC honors in 2021 from the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was a four-time honoree on the ACC Team of the Week, with all four nods occurring during the 2019 season for standout coverage plays. Additionally, named him to the Third Team All-ACC in 2019 and the First Team All-ACC in 2021, highlighting his consistency in pass defense. Mathis demonstrated clear statistical growth, particularly in pass defense, where his pass deflections surged from 1 in 2018 to 11 in , allowing opponents a low completion rate of 36.8% on passes targeted his way that year—ranking fourth among qualifying cornerbacks nationally per PFF data. His senior year tackles more than doubled from the prior season, underscoring improved run support, while his interception touchdown in 2021 ranked first in the ACC. Compared to Pitt teammates, Mathis tied for second on the team in pass deflections in , and his 2021 tackle total placed him among the conference's top defensive backs despite the position's emphasis on coverage over volume tackling.

Professional career

Draft and pre-NFL

Following his standout senior season at the , where he recorded 44 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups, Damarri Mathis's draft stock rose significantly, positioning him as a mid-round prospect in the . Mathis participated in the 2022 , representing the American team and showcasing his skills against top competition during practices and the game in . He further impressed evaluators at the in , measuring 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 196 pounds, while running the in 4.39 seconds. Additional combine metrics included an arm length of 31⅞ inches and a hand size of 8¼ inches, highlighting his compact but athletic build suited for play. Scouting reports praised Mathis for his strengths in man coverage, where his physicality and quick stop-start ability allowed him to mirror receivers effectively, along with notable ball skills demonstrated by his instincts to locate and contest passes. Areas for improvement included vulnerability to big plays when attempting to bait quarterbacks, as well as occasional struggles against elite speed on deep routes due to his non-elite long acceleration. Analysts viewed him as a competitive zone defender with solid run support, projecting him as a potential or outside corner with developmental upside. The selected Mathis in the fourth round of the with the 115th overall pick, adding depth to their secondary with a player known for his press-man experience from Pitt's defensive scheme. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4,438,964, including a $778,964 , which provided guaranteed money to secure his entry into the league.

Denver Broncos tenure (2022–2024)

Damarri Mathis joined the as a fourth-round selection in the and quickly earned a rotational role in the secondary during his . In the 2022 season, Mathis appeared in all 16 games, starting 11 primarily at right due to injuries to other defensive backs, including starter Pat Surtain II. He recorded 65 total tackles (54 solo, 11 assists), one tackle for loss, and seven pass deflections, contributing to the Broncos' pass defense in a season where the team finished 5-12. Notable moments included a crucial fourth-down pass breakup against quarterback in Week 6, which stalled a drive, though Mathis also drew four penalties in that same game, highlighting his aggressive coverage style. Mathis's role evolved into a more consistent depth player in 2023, playing all 17 games with six starts and logging 35 total tackles (26 solo, nine assists), two tackles for loss, and one pass deflection as the Broncos improved to an 8-9 record. His snap count increased to over 300 defensive plays, reflecting greater trust in sub-packages, though he remained behind starters like Surtain and . The 2024 season saw further reduction in his starting opportunities, with Mathis appearing in 10 games and one start, totaling three tackles (one solo, two assists) and one pass deflection across 75 defensive snaps before a sidelined him briefly in Week 17 against the Bengals. Over his Broncos tenure, Mathis amassed 103 total tackles (81 solo, 22 assists), nine pass deflections, and no interceptions in 43 games (18 starts). As his four-year rookie contract concluded after the 2024 season, the Broncos waived Mathis in late August 2025, ending his time with the team after transitioning from an early promising starter to a special teams and rotational contributor.

Carolina Panthers (2025–present)

Following his release from the , Mathis was claimed off waivers by the on August 27, 2025, providing the team with added depth at during the preseason. He participated in and early practices, reuniting with former Broncos , now in the same role with Carolina. On September 3, 2025, Mathis suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during practice, leading to his placement on injured reserve on September 6. The injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, preventing any on-field contributions or statistical output with the Panthers. As of November 2025, Mathis is in the rehabilitation phase following , with a typical ACL recovery timeline of 9-12 months suggesting a potential return to play during the 2026 offseason or . His future with the Panthers remains uncertain but hinges on a successful recovery, positioning him as a possible depth option in the secondary next season.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathDa00.htm
  2. https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/damarri-mathis/
  3. https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/football/roster/damarri-mathis/11389
  4. https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/players-roster/damarri-mathis/index
  5. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/damarri-mathis-1.html
  6. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-select-cb-damarri-mathis-with-115th-overall-pick
  7. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/damarri-mathis/32004d41-5419-5642-6636-1e4cc21e742d
  8. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/76992/damarri-mathis/contract/
  9. https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/08/27/panthers-claim-waivers-roster-cuts-damarri-mathis-dalevon-campbell/85849168007/
  10. https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/09/05/panthers-damarri-mathis-injury-update/85993607007/
  11. https://www.panthers.com/team/transactions/
  12. https://lakelandfootball.com/history/
  13. https://www.theledger.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2016/08/13/super-16-move-to-cornerback/8271780007/
  14. https://laltoday.6amcity.com/sports/lakeland-fl-nfl-impact
  15. https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/players-roster/damarri-mathis/logs/1960/reg/
  16. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/damarri-mathis-pitt-cb-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2022/
  17. https://bigcountypreps.com/team-history/lakeland-drednaughts/
  18. https://www.maxpreps.com/fl/lakeland/lakeland-dreadnaughts/football/history/
  19. https://www.goupstate.com/story/sports/recruiting/2016/06/17/gamecocks-gain-second-db-commitment-of-the-day/27623842007/
  20. https://247sports.com/article/mathis-picks-up-southern-miss-offer-75009356/
  21. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2016/12/22/Florida-cornerback-recruit-Damarri-Mathis-headed-to-Pitt/stories/201612220190
  22. https://247sports.com/college/football/recruiting/article/florida-based-cornerback-damarri-mathis-finds-a-home-with-pat-narduzzi-and-pittsburgh-74937332/
  23. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2021/12/17/Pitt-football-Damarri-Mathis-opts-out-of-Peach-Bowl-2022-NFL-draft-Kenny-Pickett-Pat-Narduzzi-Panthers-Michigan-State/stories/202112170140
  24. https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/carolina-panthers-claim-former-pitt-damarri-mathis-off-waivers
  25. https://steelersdepot.com/2022/04/2022-nfl-draft-player-profiles-pittsburgh-cb-damarri-mathis/
  26. https://media.denverbroncos.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Mathis_Damarri_Features.pdf
  27. https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2021/08/07/pitt-2021-all-105-db-damarri-mathis/
  28. https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-acc-team
  29. https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2021-all-acc-team-offensive-defensive-player-of-the-year-qb-kenny-pickett-pitt-panthers-jermaine-johnson-ii-florida-state-seminoles
  30. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pitt/2022/04/29/nfl-draft-damarri-mathis-kenny-pickett-pitt-football-lucas-krull-cal-adomitis-petrishen-phil-campbell-pat-narduzzi-taysir-mack/stories/202204280117
  31. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/acc/2021-leaders.html
  32. https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-senior-bowl-roster-reveal-what-you-need-to-know
  33. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2022-combine.htm
  34. https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-scouting-combine-schedule-results-live-updates
  35. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/damarri-mathis-s-pittsburgh/
  36. https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Damarri-Mathis-CB-Pittsburgh
  37. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10021320-damarri-mathis-nfl-draft-2022-scouting-report-for-pittsburgh-cb
  38. https://overthecap.com/player/damarri-mathis/10160
  39. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathDa00/gamelog/2022/
  40. https://www.nfl.com/players/damarri-mathis/stats/
  41. https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-chargers-denver-broncos-nfl-sports-fed03944c5e9add4c3aaaa1fb1043b48
  42. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/mile-high-morning-rookie-damarri-mathis-shows-potential-after-filling-in-for-pat
  43. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathDa00/gamelog/2023/
  44. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathDa00/gamelog/2024/
  45. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401671835
  46. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/76992/damarri-mathis
  47. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/damarri-mathis-player
  48. https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-claim-two-off-waivers-adding-a-cornerback-and-receiver-damarri-mathis-dalevon-campbell
  49. https://www.panthers.com/news/three-takeaways-from-friday-still-waiting-on-left-tackle-decision-ikem-ekwonu-damarri-mathis
  50. https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi/news/carolina-panthers-cornerback-depth-takes-hit-damarri-mathis-ruled-out-for-2025-season-torn-acl
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