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Terance Mathis
Terance Mathis
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Terance Paul Mathis (born June 7, 1967) is an American college football coach and former player.[1] He is the head football coach for Morehouse College, a position he has held since 2024. Mathis played professionally as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), earning second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994.

Key Information

He played college football for the New Mexico Lobos, earning consensus All-American honors in 1989. Selected in the 1990 NFL draft by the New York Jets, Mathis played the majority of his career with Atlanta. He last played in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then retired after the conclusion of the 2002 season. Currently, he is second in career two-point conversions with six, behind Marshall Faulk's seven.

On February 1, 2011, Mathis was named as the offensive coordinator at Savannah State University.

On May 3, 2017, Mathis was named as the head coach at Pinecrest Academy football team in Cumming, Georgia.

Family

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Mathis grew up as the son of Carole Mahone, his father died when he was six months old. His mother is also a breast cancer survivor, having beaten the disease two months before Mathis played in Super Bowl XXXIII. He and his wife Arnedia have a daughter named Terae and a son Terance Jr. Terance also has three other children Sydney, Erik, and Vanessa who just appeared in the Cherish music video "Unappreciated".

High School & College

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Mathis attended Redan High School in Stone Mountain, GA, and University of New Mexico, where he played both football and basketball. In 1989, he became New Mexico's first consensus All-American after setting a Division I record for most receiving yards. He also became the first player to have more than 250 receptions, 4,000 receiving yards, and 6,000 yards total.

NFL

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After Mathis was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL Draft,[2] he was used as a punt and kick returner. He had 43 kickoff returns for 787 yards, including one touchdown. He also had 19 receptions for 245 yards that season. The following year, he played in all sixteen games for the Jets, starting one. He had 28 receptions for 329 yards and one touchdown. He led the team in kickoff returns, piling up 599 yards. Mathis played with the Jets until 1994, starting two more games and scoring four touchdowns total.

In 1994, Mathis signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. That season, he set a club record by catching 111 passes, becoming the eighth player in the history of the NFL to exceed the 100-catch mark in one season. He also ranked in third in the NFL that season in touchdown receptions. He played on the NFC Pro Bowl squad at the end of the season. He had his second consecutive 1000-yard season the following year despite missing the only two games of his career due to an injury. In 1996, Mathis caught for 771 yards to give him a career total of 3,000 yards.

In 1998, Mathis made his first post-season appearance for the Falcons, and made a three-yard touch down catch for the Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII. He also led the team in receptions in that game, making seven for eighty-five yards. The following season, he passed Andre Rison as the club's all-time reception leader. Two years later, he passed Rison on the team's all-time touchdown list. After the season, he was released from the Falcons, and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did not start a game, but had two touchdown receptions and 218 receiving yards. After Pittsburgh chose not to re-sign him, he retired from the NFL.

He is third in Falcons history in touchdown receptions (57), after runner-up Julio Jones (60; 2011–2020), and first place Roddy White (63; 2005–2015); and third in receiving yards (7,349), behind runner-up White (10,863), and first place Jones (12,896).

Charity

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Mathis was selected as the Atlanta Falcons' "Man of the Year" in 1998 for his accomplishments on and off the field. In 1996, he founded the "Terance Loves Children" foundation, now known as the Terance Mathis Foundation.

NASCAR

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In June 2005, Mathis announced the formation of his own NASCAR team, Victory Motorsports, with Carl Long and Morty Buckles as scheduled drivers. Established Cup team Morgan-McClure Motorsports (which received support and engines from Hendrick Motorsports) would provide technical support for the new No. 04 Chevrolet. Mathis and the 34-year-old Buckles ambitiously planned 20 Cup races and a dozen ARCA races for 2006, but the deal never fully materialized.[3][4] In June 2006, it had been announced Mathis had acquired R&J Racing, but that deal fell through. In February 2013, he was named Vice President of Marketing for part-time Sprint Cup Series team Leavine Family Racing.

Coaching career

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In 2011, Mathis was named as the offensive coordinator and inside receivers coach for Savannah State University.[5]

In 2017, Mathis was named head football coach for Pinecrest Academy,[6][7] he was not retained following the 2019 season.[8]

On February 2, 2024, Mathis was named head football coach for Morehouse College.[9][10][11]

NFL career statistics

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Regular season

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Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1990 NYJ 16 1 19 245 12.9 23 0
1991 NYJ 16 1 28 329 11.8 39 1
1992 NYJ 16 1 22 316 14.4 55 3
1993 NYJ 16 3 24 352 14.7 46 0
1994 ATL 16 16 111 1,342 12.1 81 11
1995 ATL 14 12 78 1,039 13.3 54 9
1996 ATL 16 16 69 771 11.2 55 7
1997 ATL 16 16 62 802 12.9 49 6
1998 ATL 16 16 64 1,136 17.8 78 11
1999 ATL 16 16 81 1,016 12.5 52 6
2000 ATL 16 16 57 679 11.9 44 5
2001 ATL 16 16 51 564 11.1 34 2
2002 PIT 16 0 23 218 9.5 22 2
Career 206 130 689 8,809 12.8 81 63

Head coaching record

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College

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Morehouse Maroon Tigers (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) (2024–present)
2024 Morehouse 1–9 1–7 T–11th
2025 Morehouse 3–7 3–5 T–7th
Morehouse: 4–16 4–12
Total: 4–16

High school

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Pinecrest Academy Paladins () (2017–2019)
2017 Pinecrest Academy 1–10 0–7 8th
2018 Pinecrest Academy 4–7 3–4 5th
2019 Pinecrest Academy 2–8 1–6 7th
Pinecrest Academy: 7–25 4–17
Total: 7–25

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Terance Mathis is an American former professional football and current coach, renowned for his record-setting collegiate career at the and his nine-season NFL tenure, primarily with the , where he earned honors and a selection in 1994. Born on June 7, 1967, in , , Mathis initially walked on to the team without a scholarship, emerging as a standout performer who set NCAA records for career receptions (263), receiving yards (4,254), and games with a (26) from 1985 to 1989. As a senior in 1989, he became the first consensus First-Team All-American in program history, leading the team in receiving and all-purpose yards. His exceptional college achievements culminated in his induction into the as part of the Class of 2023, making him the first offensive player from to receive the honor. Selected in the sixth round (140th overall) of the by the , Mathis spent four seasons with the team before signing as an unrestricted with the prior to the 1994 season, where he became a key component of the "Dirty Birds" offense. Over his Falcons career from 1994 to 2001, he amassed 573 receptions for 7,349 yards and 57 touchdowns, ranking second in franchise history in receiving yards and touchdowns at the time of his departure; notable highlights include his 1994 season with 111 catches for 1,242 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him First-Team and recognition, as well as his contributions to the 1998 team and the Falcons' Man of the Year Award in 1998 for his . He briefly played for the in 2002 before retiring, finishing with career totals that underscored his reliability as a possession receiver. Transitioning to coaching after his playing days, Mathis has held various roles in high school and college football, including head coach at Pinecrest Academy (2017–2019) and pass game coordinator at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School (2020). He served as offensive coordinator and inside receivers coach at Savannah State University in 2020 before assuming the head coaching position at Morehouse College in 2024, where, as of the 2025 season, he is in his second year mentoring HBCU student-athletes as part of the Maroon Tigers program. Throughout his post-playing career, Mathis has emphasized player development and community involvement, drawing from his own unrecruited journey to success.

Early Life and Education

Family and Background

Terance Mathis was born on June 7, 1967, in , Michigan. Raised primarily by his mother in a single-parent household, Mathis grew up with three sisters in the industrial heart of until age 12, when the family relocated to the area. This move marked a significant shift from the urban environment of the Motor City, where the family's working-class surroundings reflected the broader socioeconomic fabric of the region. Mathis's early exposure to sports came through Detroit's vibrant local culture, including the influence of professional teams like the , fostering his initial interest in football. He began participating in organized youth play, including little league football, which sparked his passion for the game during his childhood years. The challenges of adapting to a new city and supporting a close-knit family dynamic helped cultivate the discipline that would define his athletic pursuits, setting the stage for his entry into high school athletics.

High School Career

Terance Mathis attended Redan High School in , after moving there from his birthplace in , , during his early teenage years. As a multi-sport , he primarily excelled as a on the football team while also participating in and track, contributing to his development as a versatile competitor. His family's relocation from provided a supportive foundation that enabled his focus on athletics in Georgia's competitive high school scene. During his junior year in 1983, Mathis threw a dramatic on the final play to defeat rival Peachtree High School, securing a playoff berth for and highlighting his clutch performance under pressure. As a senior in 1984, he led the Raiders to an 8-2 record, showcasing leadership and skill in DeKalb County's powerhouse football environment of the . These achievements under Redan's coaching staff built his passing accuracy and , traits that later defined his career. Mathis initially committed to to succeed but ultimately chose the after Ben Griffith, who had influenced his recruitment, moved there. This decision marked the end of his high school tenure, where he transitioned from a local standout to a college prospect without major national recruiting fanfare.

College Career

Terance Mathis enrolled at the in 1985 and played for the Lobos football team through 1989, lettering in 1985–1987 and 1989 under coaches and Mike Sheppard. He sat out the 1988 season due to academic ineligibility. Over his four seasons, he amassed 263 receptions for 4,254 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns, setting NCAA records at the time for career receptions and receiving yards while becoming the first player in history to exceed 250 receptions, 4,000 receiving yards, and 6,000 all-purpose yards. Mathis earned All-American honors twice, as a third-team selection in 1987 and New Mexico's first-ever consensus first-team All-American in 1989, when he led the (WAC) with 88 receptions and 1,315 receiving yards. Mathis delivered several standout performances that highlighted his dominance, including a 1989 game against New Mexico State where he scored three —two receiving and one on a 96-yard kickoff return—while surpassing the career receptions record. In his final collegiate game against Fresno State that season, he broke the NCAA all-time receptions mark, finishing his career with 263 catches, including 10 receptions for 145 yards and a in a 45–22 victory. These efforts underscored his reliability, as he caught at least one pass in 43 of 44 and led the Lobos in receiving and all-purpose yards each year. Mathis's contributions significantly elevated the New Mexico program during a period of modest success, as he served as a two-time team MVP and recipient of the Reese Hill Award for top offensive player, contributing to the Lobos' records of 4–8 in 1986 and 2–10 in 1989 while leading the in receiving categories multiple times. Although the team did not qualify for a during his tenure, his record-setting play established a legacy of excellence, with Mathis still holding numerous school marks such as career receptions, receiving yards, and single-season touchdowns (13 in 1989). His achievements transformed the Lobos' passing attack and inspired future generations at a program historically challenged in national prominence. In recognition of his collegiate impact, Mathis was inducted into the as part of the 2023 class, selected by the National Football Foundation's honors courts with approval from over 12,000 voters including coaches, media, and former players. The induction met the foundation's criteria for modern-era players, emphasizing his statistical dominance and program elevation, and took place on December 5, 2023, during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the ARIA Resort & Casino in . This honor marked Mathis as only the second Lobo inductee and the first offensive player from to achieve this distinction.

NFL Playing Career

New York Jets Tenure

Terance Mathis was selected by the in the sixth round (140th overall) of the out of the , where his record-setting college production as a had showcased his speed and route-running ability. In his rookie season of 1990 under head coach , Mathis assumed a limited role on offense, primarily as a reserve and kick , recording 19 receptions for 245 yards and no touchdowns while handling 43 kick returns for 787 yards. The Jets' offensive scheme emphasized a balanced attack with established starters like Al Toon and Rob Moore ahead of him on the depth chart, limiting Mathis's opportunities as he adjusted to the professional level. Over the next three seasons (1991–1993), Mathis developed into a more consistent contributor, appearing in all 64 regular-season games without missing time and totaling 74 receptions for 997 yards and 4 touchdowns, alongside significant return duties that included leading the team in kickoff returns in 1991 with 599 yards. Despite these efforts, challenges such as the Jets' middling offensive output under Coslet—marked by quarterback instability and a run-heavy approach—kept Mathis in a rotational role, with only sporadic starts (one each in 1990–1992 and three in 1993). Following the 1993 season, Mathis became an unrestricted free agent and signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on May 3, 1994, departing the Jets after four years where he had caught 93 passes for 1,242 yards overall.

Atlanta Falcons Tenure

Terance Mathis signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on May 3, 1994, following four seasons with the New York Jets, and quickly established himself as a key starter in the team's offense under head coach June Jones. In his debut season of , Mathis achieved career highs and set a Falcons franchise record with 111 receptions for 1,342 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him a selection and Second-Team honors as he led the in receptions. This breakout performance solidified his role as the primary target for Jeff , contributing to the ' 7-9 record and marking the beginning of his most productive years in . Mathis maintained strong consistency from 1995 to 1998, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in (78 receptions, 1,039 yards, 9 TDs) and 1998 (64 receptions, 1,136 yards, 11 TDs), while posting over 800 yards in the intervening seasons despite offensive scheme changes and quarterback transitions to Chris Chandler. In 1998, his on-field excellence was complemented by off-field efforts, earning him the Atlanta Falcons Man of the Year award for outstanding community service. The pinnacle of Mathis's Falcons tenure came during the 1998 playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in the team's surprising run to against the . In the Divisional Round victory over the , he recorded 5 receptions for 71 yards; in the NFC Championship win against the , he had 6 catches for 73 yards and two s; in the loss, he managed 7 receptions for 85 yards and a . These performances highlighted his clutch ability, helping propel the to their first appearance since the team's inception. Mathis continued contributing through the 2000 and 2001 seasons, though with reduced production due to age and team struggles, before the Falcons released him on February 25, 2002, as part of maneuvers. Over his eight seasons in from 1994 to 2001, he amassed 573 receptions for 7,349 yards and 57 touchdowns, ranking among the franchise's all-time leaders in those categories at the time.

Career Statistics and Accolades

Terance Mathis compiled a 13-season career from 1990 to 2002, appearing in 206 regular-season games with the (1990–1993), (1994–2001), and (2002), where he recorded 689 receptions for 8,809 receiving yards and 63 receiving touchdowns, averaging 12.8 yards per catch. He also contributed modestly on the ground with 14 rushes for 97 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, bringing his career to 11,350. The following table summarizes Mathis's regular-season receiving statistics by year and team:
YearTeamGamesReceptionsYardsAverageTouchdowns
1990NYJ161924512.90
1991NYJ162832911.81
1992NYJ162231614.43
1993NYJ162435214.70
1994ATL161111,34212.111
1995ATL14781,03913.39
1996ATL166977111.27
1997ATL166280212.96
1998ATL16641,13617.811
1999ATL16811,01612.56
2000ATL165767911.95
2001ATL165156411.12
2002PIT16232189.52
Career2066898,80912.863
Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com During his tenure with , Mathis amassed 573 receptions for 7,349 yards and 57 touchdowns, figures that once stood as franchise records before being surpassed by subsequent players like . In the postseason, Mathis appeared in 7 games across four playoff runs, totaling 31 receptions for 414 yards and 3 touchdowns, with an average of 13.4 yards per catch. His most productive playoff performance came during the Falcons' 1998 run to , where he caught 18 passes for 229 yards and all 3 of his postseason touchdowns. Mathis earned his lone selection after the 1994 season, in which he set a then-Franchise single-season record with 111 receptions for 1,342 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also named Second-Team by the that year. Additionally, Mathis received the ' Man of the Year award in 1998 for his on-field performance and off-field contributions. At the time of his retirement, his career totals ranked him 83rd in NFL history for receiving yards and 79th for receiving touchdowns.

Post-Retirement Business and Philanthropy

NASCAR Involvement

Following his retirement from the NFL, Terance Mathis ventured into motorsports by forming Victory Motorsports in June as a minority-owned team aimed at promoting diverse ownership and attracting the minority community to the sport. The team announced as its driver for the Series and Morty Buckles for the ARCA Series, with plans to field the No. 04 Chevrolet. In October , Victory Motorsports entered an alliance with veteran team Morgan-McClure Motorsports to support its Series entry and expand operations. Despite these ambitions, the team faced significant challenges, including difficulties securing sponsorship and funding, which limited it to no competitive races. Unable to establish a full-time presence or run any competitive races due to difficulties securing sponsorship and funding, Victory Motorsports ceased operations without on-track activity, with Mathis shifting his focus to other roles by 2013. Mathis's entry into NASCAR was driven by a passion for the sport's competitive strategy and a goal to leverage his NFL experience in business and marketing to foster greater diversity. In 2013, he transitioned to a more stable role as Vice President of Marketing for , where he worked to secure sponsorships and broaden the team's outreach in the community to support its Series program, including a 22-race schedule with driver . Mathis described the position as an ideal fit, allowing him to contribute to elevating a family-oriented team through targeted sponsor relationships.

Charitable Activities

During his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, Terance Mathis was recognized for his extensive community service efforts, culminating in his selection as the team's NFL Man of the Year in 1998. This award highlighted his dedication to charitable causes, including support for underprivileged families and youth initiatives in the area. In 1996, Mathis founded the Terance Mathis Foundation, which has focused on aiding the community through direct assistance programs such as adopting families for celebrations and distributing baskets to children in need. The foundation also collaborates with other local charities to provide broader support for families facing economic challenges. These efforts were tied to his platform, emphasizing holiday outreach and community building during his playing career. Following his retirement from the NFL in 2002, Mathis continued his philanthropic work by hosting the annual Terance Mathis Celebrity Golf Classic, which benefits the Emory ALS Center through fundraising for research and patient care. Launched in the early 2010s, the event has featured fellow former NFL players and celebrities, raising awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) support in Georgia. The event has continued annually, including the 2023 edition held on September 10–11 at Harrah's Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina. Additionally, Mathis has supported youth development by participating in Falcons-organized coaching clinics for young athletes, including events like the 2016 Under Armour/Atlanta Falcons Youth Football Coaching Clinic, where he mentored participants on skills and life lessons.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Roles

After retiring from the NFL following the 2002 season, Terance Mathis began his coaching journey in the through involvement in youth football clinics and camps, including Nike Football Camps, Gridiron King 7-on-7 tournaments, and the / Youth Football Coaching Clinic. These early experiences allowed him to share his expertise with young athletes while transitioning into more formal roles. By 2011, Mathis secured his first collegiate position as and inside receivers coach at , where he served for two years, focusing on developing passing attacks inspired by his own NFL background as a prolific . Mathis's high school coaching career gained momentum in 2017 when he was appointed head coach at Pinecrest Academy in , a role he held through the 2019 season, leading the program to notable success on the field. In this capacity, he emphasized building a competitive team culture, drawing on his professional experience to instill discipline and strategic play-calling. Following his time at Pinecrest, Mathis joined Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in , as pass game coordinator and assistant coach in 2020, where he contributed to refining the team's aerial offense. Throughout these early roles, Mathis developed a philosophy centered on fundamentals, speed, and relatable mentorship, often telling players, "The biggest thing I tell them is I would never ask them to do something that I have never done before or I can’t do now." This approach, rooted in his tenure where he amassed over 8,000 receiving yards, prioritized skill development and physical conditioning to elevate player performance at the high school and entry-level college levels.

College and High School Positions

Mathis began his prominent high school head coaching role at Pinecrest Academy in , from 2017 to 2019, where he led the Paladins through a rebuilding phase. In his first season, the team finished with a 1-9 overall record and 0-7 in Region 6-A, but showed progress in 2018 with a 4-6 overall mark and 3-4 region record, demonstrating improved competitiveness in a challenging division. Although no regional championships were secured during his tenure, Mathis focused on foundational development, contributing to the program's growth in a new classification. Transitioning to , Mathis served as and inside wide receivers coach at from 2011 to 2012, implementing schemes that enhanced the Tigers' passing attack. Under his guidance, the offense improved from averaging 12.5 points and 238.5 yards per game in 2011 to 17.6 points and 286.8 yards in 2012, fostering better execution despite the team's overall 1-10 records both seasons. This role built on his early coaching experiences, providing a platform to apply NFL-honed strategies at the collegiate level. Following his time at Pinecrest, Mathis took on assistant roles at high schools, serving as pass game coordinator at Blessed Trinity High School in , in 2020, and as assistant coach at Fellowship Christian School in 2021, where he emphasized refining aerial offenses and player technique. In February 2024, he was appointed head coach at , marking his return to collegiate leadership with a vision centered on immediate competitiveness and a family-oriented culture within the Maroon Tigers program. Mathis prioritized aggressive recruiting of HBCU talent and initiated workouts to revive the team, stating his philosophy of "winning today" to instill urgency and collective buy-in from the outset. Mathis's coaching contributions, alongside his playing legacy, culminated in his induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on February 22, 2025, recognizing his multifaceted impact on Georgia athletics.

Head Coaching Record and Achievements

Mathis served as head coach at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, Georgia, from 2017 to 2019, compiling an overall record of 7-23 across three seasons. In 2017, the Paladins finished 1-9 overall and 0-7 in Region 6-A, marking a challenging debut season with no playoff appearance. The team improved slightly in 2018 to 4-6 overall and 3-4 in region play, but again missed the postseason. The 2019 season ended 2-8 overall and 1-6 in the region, with no playoff berth, though Mathis was recognized as the Atlanta Falcons High School Coach of the Week for his leadership. The program did not qualify for playoffs during his tenure, focusing instead on foundational development amid a young roster.
SeasonOverall RecordRegion RecordPostseason
20171-90-7None
20184-63-4None
20192-81-6None
Total7-234-17None
Mathis became at in 2024, leading the Maroon Tigers in the (SIAC). In his inaugural season, the team posted a 1-9 overall record and 1-7 in SIAC play, with the lone victory coming in the nationally televised Chicago Football Classic against Kentucky State (31-28). The defense excelled, ranking first in the SIAC for pass defense at 159.9 yards per game, while Ajani Williams earned an invitation to the ' rookie minicamp after recording 32 receptions for 628 yards and six touchdowns. No postseason appearance occurred. In 2025, Mathis guided the team to a 3-7 overall record and 3-5 in SIAC competition, showing improvement in wins but still missing the ; Miles Scott set single-season Maroon Tigers records for passing yards (2,847) and touchdowns (18).
SeasonOverall RecordSIAC RecordPostseason
20241-91-7None
20253-73-5None
Total4-164-12None
Mathis's head coaching achievements include individual player development leading to professional opportunities, such as Ajani Williams's minicamp invite in 2024. His tenure at Morehouse contributed to defensive improvements and offensive records, aiding a gradual program turnaround from a 1-9 mark in 2023 under the prior staff. In recognition of his broader football legacy as a player and coach, Mathis was inducted into the in 2023. He received further honors with induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.

References

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