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Tom Matte
Tom Matte
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Thomas Roland Matte (MAT'-tee; June 14, 1939 – November 2, 2021), nicknamed "Garbage Can",[1] was an American professional football running back who spent his entire 12-season career with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football as a quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was selected by the Colts in the 1961 NFL draft and by the New York Titans in the 1961 AFL draft.

Key Information

College career

[edit]

Matte played quarterback, but was more known for his rushing skills than passing prowess. For his senior year, he finished 7th in voting for the Heisman Trophy (awarded to halfback Joe Bellino of Navy), finishing under future stars such as Billy Kilmer and Mike Ditka.

College statistics

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Season Team GP Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Yds TD Int Att Yds TD
1958 Ohio State 9 5 -4 0
1959 9 28 51 439 4 2 92 190 1
1960 9 50 95 737 8 4 161 682 2
Career[2] 27 78 146 1,176 12 6 258 868 3

Professional playing career

[edit]
Matte (number 41) in 1970 Baltimore Colts team photo

Matte spent his 12-year pro career with the Baltimore Colts where he posted career stats of 4,646 rushing yards, 249 receptions for 2,869 yards, 1,367 yards returning kickoffs, and 57 touchdowns (45 rushing, 12 receiving). Late in the 1965 season, Matte also memorably filled in as an emergency quarterback when Johnny Unitas and Gary Cuozzo went down with season-ending injuries in consecutive home losses to the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, respectively.[3] For the Colts' regular-season finale (a 20–17 win) against the Los Angeles Rams and the following weekend's one-game playoff at Green Bay (a 13–10 overtime loss), Colts head coach Don Shula put a list of plays on a wristband that Matte wore.[3] The wristband is now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Matte would bloom late in his career. In 1968, he earned his first Pro Bowl honor after rushing for 662 yards on 183 carries for nine touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown. That season, the Colts advanced all the way to the NFL Championship Game. While he did have a quiet game against the Minnesota Vikings in the first playoff game (a 24–14 win where he ran for 31 yards), he came alive in the 1968 NFL Championship Game. Avenging his prior quiet games, he rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries for three touchdowns to galvanize the Colts to a 34–0 victory over the Cleveland Browns, avenging their loss in the title game four years prior. It won Matte a cover on the January 6, 1969 cover of Sports Illustrated, taken after he had scored his third touchdown of the afternoon in the NFL Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns.[4][5] The Colts were the winners of the penultimate NFL title game and advanced to Super Bowl III. Matte would rush for 116 yards on 11 carries while catching two passes for thirty yards; he set the record for highest per-carry rushing average in a Super Bowl game with 10.5, with his biggest run being a run of 58 yards that was stopped by his former teammate Johnny Sample. However, Matte would fail to reach the end zone and a fumble to start the second half only made the Colts more frustrated on their way to a 16–7 loss. The following year was even better, as he rushed for a career high 909 yards on 235 carries with a league-high 11 touchdowns while adding 43 catches for 513 yards for two touchdowns. His total touches, yards from scrimmage (1,422) and touchdowns were all league highs.

Matte was injured in the first game of the 1970 season against the San Diego Chargers and therefore did not play when the Colts returned to Super Bowl V at the end of that season and beat the Dallas Cowboys. However, he was awarded a Super Bowl ring.[citation needed] Matte returned for one last fresh run with the 1971 season, playing in all 14 games and rushing for 607 yards on 173 carries for eight touchdowns while catching 29 passes for 239 yards. The Colts made a run at the AFC title game once again. Matte would have his last significant playtime with the game against Cleveland, rushing 16 times for 26 yards while catching three passes for 22 yards as the Colts won 20–3.[6] In the AFC Championship against the Miami Dolphins, he made just one catch for six yards as the Colts lost 21–0.[7]

After spending most of the 1972 season on the practice squad, he was traded from the Colts to the Chargers for a 1973 eighth-round selection (189th overall–Ray Oldham) on January 24, 1973.[8][9]

Following Unitas' lead, Matte and many of his Baltimore Colt teammates disowned the franchise after their move to Indianapolis in 1984.

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Matte was a color analyst on CBS coverage of NFL games from 1976 to 1978. From 1996 to 2005, Matte teamed with Baltimore sportscaster Scott Garceau in broadcasting Baltimore Ravens games on local radio.

Personal life and death

[edit]

Matte married his wife Judy in 1962, with whom he had two children.[10][11] Matte died on November 2, 2021, in Ruxton, Maryland, from complications of leukemia. He was 82.[12]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Won NFL Championship
Super Bowl champion
Led the league
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Y/G Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum FR
1961 BAL 8 2 13 54 4.2 6.8 11 0 1 8 8.0 8 0 0 0
1962 BAL 14 5 74 226 3.1 16.1 29 2 8 81 10.1 22 1 2 1
1963 BAL 14 13 133 541 4.1 38.6 31 4 48 466 9.7 49 1 2 0
1964 BAL 14 2 42 215 5.1 15.4 80 1 10 169 16.9 30 0 0 0
1965 BAL 14 3 69 235 3.4 16.8 20 1 12 131 10.9 15 0 2 0
1966 BAL 14 4 86 381 4.4 27.2 30 0 23 307 13.3 35 3 2 0
1967 BAL 14 14 147 636 4.3 45.4 30 9 35 496 14.2 88 3 1 0
1968 BAL 14 14 183 662 3.6 47.3 23 9 25 275 11.0 50 1 2 0
1969 BAL 14 14 235 909 3.9 64.9 26 11 43 513 11.9 49 2 4 0
1970 BAL 2 2 12 43 3.6 21.5 16 0 1 2 2.0 2 0 0 0
1971 BAL 14 14 173 607 3.5 43.4 26 8 29 239 8.2 34 0 4 1
1972 BAL 6 4 33 137 4.2 22.8 18 0 14 182 13.0 43 1 2 0
Career 142 91 1,200 4,646 3.9 32.7 80 45 249 2,869 11.5 88 12 21 2

See also

[edit]
  • Kendall Hinton, the next non-quarterback to perform that position in the NFL in 2020.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Roland Matte (June 14, 1939 – November 2, 2021) was an American professional football player best known as a versatile and occasional quarterback for the of the () from 1961 to 1972. A gritty and durable athlete, Matte gained lasting fame in 1965 as the NFL's first emergency quarterback, stepping in for three games after injuries sidelined stars and , during which he led the Colts to key victories including a playoff berth. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Matte excelled in at , where he lettered for three seasons (1958–1960) as both a and under coach . In 1960, his senior year, he earned the team's award, first-team All-Big Ten honors at , third-team All-American recognition from the and , and finished seventh in voting after amassing 1,419 total offensive yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games. Selected by the Colts in the first round (7th overall) of the 1961 NFL Draft and also by the New York Titans in the draft, Matte chose the path and quickly became a key contributor on a Colts team featuring legends like Unitas and coach . Over his 12-year career, he appeared in 142 games, rushing for 4,646 yards and 45 touchdowns, with 13 receiving touchdowns, with career highs including 909 rushing yards in 1969; he earned selections in 1968 and 1969 and contributed to the Colts' victory in after the 1970 season. Matte's versatility extended beyond the field; after retiring as a player, he served as a longtime radio broadcaster for the Colts and later the , becoming a beloved figure in sports lore. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and remained active in football circles until his death from complications of at age 82 in Ruxton, .

Early life

Family background

Thomas Roland Matte was born on June 14, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father, Roland Matte, was a Canadian-born professional hockey player who appeared in 24 National Hockey League games, including brief stints with the Detroit Cougars—a predecessor franchise to the Detroit Red Wings—during the 1929–30 season, as well as time with teams like the Chicago Black Hawks and Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets in minor leagues. Following his parents' marriage in , the family relocated to the area in during Matte's early childhood, where he was raised amid the industrial landscape of the region. Matte earned the rank of in his youth, an achievement his father actively encouraged to build character and self-reliance. Matte's younger brother was a standout at of , earning draft selections in both and football before military service.

High school athletics

Tom Matte attended Shaw High School in , where he distinguished himself as a standout for the Cardinals. His athletic prowess on the gridiron earned him local acclaim as one of the area's top talents during the late . Primarily playing as a with versatility on defense as a , Matte demonstrated strong leadership and skill that highlighted his potential for higher-level competition. He was regarded as the premier football star at Shaw, contributing significantly to the team's efforts and building a reputation that extended beyond the . Matte's high school performances drew the attention of major college programs, culminating in his recruitment by head coach , who targeted him initially as a . This opportunity bridged his secondary success to a prominent collegiate career.

College career

Ohio State University

Tom Matte enrolled at Ohio State University in 1958, following a standout high school career as a quarterback at East Cleveland Shaw High School, where his skills in passing and running had caught the attention of Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes. Upon arriving on campus, Matte initially adapted to the rigors of college football by joining the freshman team, navigating the physical and mental demands of transitioning from high school athletics to a more intense varsity environment under Hayes' demanding regime. This period involved rigorous training and team integration, where Matte learned the discipline and fundamentals emphasized in Hayes' program, building on his prior experience to adjust to the higher level of competition and coaching scrutiny. Midway through the 1959 season, Matte transitioned from to , a move orchestrated by Hayes to capitalize on his versatility and athleticism in the Buckeyes' offense. As starting in 1960, Matte operated within Hayes' conservative, run-oriented scheme, which prioritized ball control, short passes when necessary, and minimizing turnovers to maintain possession and execute precise plays. Hayes' influence was profound, fostering a perfectionist approach that shaped Matte's and on the field, while encouraging adaptability in a that valued running the football above all else. This positional role allowed Matte to integrate fully into the varsity squad, contributing to team dynamics through his multi-faceted skills developed under Hayes' guidance. Academically, Matte pursued a degree in business management at Ohio State, balancing coursework with his athletic commitments in a environment that Hayes supported through a personal guarantee of graduation. He later returned after his rookie season to complete his undergraduate requirements and earned a , with Hayes providing assistance, including covering some costs. Beyond football, Matte engaged in life by participating in track events like the quarter mile and pole vaulting, as well as playing hockey during his first year, which enriched his college experience and reflected the well-rounded student-athlete ethos promoted at the university.

Collegiate accomplishments

During his junior year in 1960, Tom Matte served as the starting quarterback for the , earning team MVP honors after leading the squad to a 7-2 record. He amassed 1,419 yards of total offense, including 737 passing yards on 50 completions out of 95 attempts for 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, alongside 682 rushing yards on 161 carries for 2 touchdowns, all in nine games. Matte's dual-threat performance that season topped the Big Ten in passing touchdowns, rushing attempts, and total offense, contributing to key victories such as a 20-0 of USC that helped secure a third-place finish in the conference. His versatility under coach , who emphasized a run-heavy offense, allowed Matte to excel both through the air and on the ground, finishing seventh in voting. For his efforts, Matte received First-Team All-Big Ten recognition as a and was named a Third-Team All-American by Football News, along with being selected as MVP of the East-West Game following the season. Over his three-year collegiate career from 1958 to 1960, he recorded 1,176 passing yards with 12 touchdowns on 78-of-146 completions and 868 rushing yards with 3 touchdowns on 258 carries, establishing himself as one of the conference's most dynamic players.

Professional career

Baltimore Colts tenure

Tom Matte was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the first round, seventh overall, of the 1961 NFL Draft. His selection came after a standout college career at Ohio State, where he demonstrated quarterback skills that would later contribute to his NFL adaptability in emergency situations. Matte spent his entire 12-season professional career with the Colts from 1961 to 1972, evolving from a rookie running back into a reliable veteran known for his durability and team-first approach. During his tenure, the team experienced significant success under head coaches Weeb Ewbank and Don Shula. Ewbank, who coached Matte in his first two seasons, led the Colts to a 7-7 record in 1962, finishing fourth in the Western Conference. Shula, taking over in 1963 as the youngest head coach in league history at age 33, guided the team to consistent winning records, including Western Conference championships in 1964 and 1968. Under Shula, the Colts won the 1968 NFL Championship and advanced to Super Bowl III in 1969. The team's momentum continued post-Shula, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl V following the 1970 season. Primarily a , Matte showcased positional versatility by serving as a backup quarterback when injuries struck the Colts' signal-callers, a role that highlighted his utility on the roster. His straight-ahead, hard-nosed running style earned him the "Garbage Can," a moniker first applied by defensive tackle to describe Matte's tough, no-frills approach to gaining yards. This versatility and made him a valuable asset during the Colts' competitive era in the .

Key roles and performances

One of Tom Matte's most notable contributions came during the when injuries sidelined starting and backup , forcing the to step in as an emergency signal-caller for the . Matte, who had college experience at for Ohio State, wore a wristband with plays scribbled on it and shared duties in the regular-season finale against the on December 18, leading the Colts to a 20-17 victory that clinched a tie for the Western Conference title. He started the subsequent divisional playoff against the on December 26, where the Colts fell 13-10 in despite a competitive effort, and then guided the team to a 35-3 rout of the in the Playoff Bowl (third-place game) on January 9, 1966, earning MVP honors for that contest. Matte's versatility extended beyond this emergency role, as he became a key for the Colts, earning selections in 1968 and 1969. In 1968, he rushed for 662 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season, culminating in a standout playoff performance in the Championship Game against the on December 29, where he carried 17 times for 88 yards and scored all three of his touchdowns in a dominant 34-0 victory. The following year, Matte led the in rushing touchdowns with 11 while accumulating 909 yards on 235 carries, showcasing his reliability as a workhorse back in high-stakes situations. Throughout his career, Matte exemplified two-way play, occasionally contributing on defense and special teams in addition to his offensive duties, which endeared him to coaches like for his adaptability during critical moments. His ability to fill multiple roles helped stabilize the Colts' backfield and passing game amid injuries, contributing to the team's success in the late 1960s.

NFL statistics

Tom Matte's NFL career with the Baltimore Colts spanned 1961 to 1972, during which he primarily excelled as a while also contributing as a receiver and occasional , particularly in 1965 when he filled in as due to team injuries. His versatility is evident in career totals of 4,646 rushing yards, 249 receptions for 2,869 yards, and limited passing stats of 246 yards on 12 completions. Matte earned honors in and 1969 for his standout rushing performances. The following tables summarize his year-by-year and career statistics, drawn from official records.

Passing Statistics

YearCompletions-AttemptsYardsTouchdownsInterceptionsPasser Rating
19610-0000-
19625-13851087.0
19631-5200043.7
19643-45810156.2
19651-719010.0
19660-30010.0
19671-5180042.1
19680-100039.6
19691-3460081.9
19700-0000-
19710-100039.6
19720-0000-
Career12-422462253.2
Note: The 1965 passing stats reflect Matte's limited regular-season role as the starting quarterback amid injuries to and .

Rushing and Fumble Statistics

YearAttemptsYardsYards per CarryLongest RunTouchdownsFumblesFumbles Lost
196113544.212000
1962742263.125221
19631335414.161422
1964422155.145100
1965692353.422122
1966863814.450022
19671476364.345911
19681836623.645922
19692359093.9571144
197012433.69000
19711736073.536843
1972331374.220022
Career1,2004,6463.961452119

Receiving Statistics

YearReceptionsYardsYards per ReceptionLongest ReceptionTouchdowns
1961188.080
196288110.1261
1963484669.7451
19641016916.9800
19651213110.9280
19662330713.3423
19673549614.2803
19682527511.0351
19694351311.9422
1970122.020
1971292398.2200
19721418213.0301
Career2492,86911.58012
Matte's rushing totals rank him among the Baltimore Colts' historical leaders, with 4,646 yards placing him in the franchise's top 10 for career rushing yards as of his retirement.

Post-playing career

Broadcasting work

After retiring from professional football in 1972, Tom Matte transitioned into broadcasting in the mid-1970s, serving as a color analyst on CBS coverage of NFL games from 1976 to 1978. In the late 1980s, following the folding of the USFL in 1986, Matte served as a for University of Maryland football radio broadcasts, partnering with play-by-play announcer for approximately two seasons. Matte's most prominent broadcasting role came with the , where he joined Scott Garceau as the color analyst for the team's local radio broadcasts from 1996 to 2005. His tenure covered key moments in the franchise's early history, including the 2000 season's dominant defensive run to , where the defeated the 34–7 for their first championship. Matte's style emphasized practical player perspectives, drawing from his own tenure as a and emergency to offer credible breakdowns of strategies and on-field decisions. Beyond Ravens games, Matte made occasional television appearances, such as providing commentary for (CFL) broadcasts on in 1994 during the ' successful season. He also contributed to Colts-related media discussions in later years, including guest spots on local sports radio reflecting on Baltimore's football legacy.

Community involvement

After retiring from professional football, Tom Matte remained deeply engaged in Baltimore's sports community, frequently participating in alumni events for the former and the current to preserve the city's football heritage. He co-organized autograph sessions featuring fellow Colts legends such as Jimmy Orr and , fostering connections between past players and fans at community gatherings. Matte also joined panel discussions commemorating key moments in Colts history, including the 30th anniversary of the team's relocation to , where he shared insights alongside other alumni to educate younger audiences on Baltimore's legacy. Matte extended his influence through mentorship and speaking engagements, leveraging his experience as a to inspire local youth and athletes. His involvement in corporate athlete appearances often included talks at schools and events, emphasizing resilience and drawn from his playing career. Additionally, Matte supported youth-oriented initiatives indirectly through his participation in Ravens alumni activities that promoted football clinics and community outreach programs. Philanthropically, Matte was a dedicated supporter of the Cool Kids Campaign, a Baltimore-based organization aiding children with cancer, including , by attending fundraisers and leveraging his celebrity status to boost awareness and donations. He hosted annual charity golf events to benefit various causes and made appearances at memorial tournaments, such as the Salute to a Hero Golf Tournament honoring fallen police officers. His broadcasting role occasionally served as a platform for promoting these efforts, amplifying calls for community support during Ravens radio segments. Matte's contributions earned him widespread recognition as "Mr. Baltimore Football" for his enduring civic impact. He was inducted into the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame, which honors former players for both on-field achievements and off-field charitable work. As an from his youth, Matte was further honored by the Boy Scouts of America for embodying their values throughout his life.

Personal life and legacy

Family and later years

Matte married Judith Simons, known as Judy, in 1962; the couple remained together for 59 years. They raised two children, son Roland Thomas Matte and daughter Katherine McNeal Matte, while prioritizing family closeness amid Matte's demanding athletic schedule. Matte was a cherished grandfather to four grandchildren, often sharing quiet moments and stories from his life that fostered strong intergenerational bonds without public fanfare. The family made their home in the affluent Baltimore suburbs of Ruxton and , where Matte's long tenure with the Colts enabled a stable, rooted lifestyle. In retirement, Matte pursued hobbies such as , participating in local charity tournaments that allowed him to connect with former teammates and community members in a relaxed setting. Family travels to nearby destinations provided opportunities for bonding, reflecting a preference for low-key outings that emphasized togetherness over extravagance. As he aged, Matte navigated health challenges typical of later life, including , cancer, and a , which tempered his active routine but did not diminish his role as a . His enduring and devotion to his children and grandchildren underscored a private life centered on quiet support and legacy-building in the community.

Death and honors

Tom Matte died on November 2, 2021, at the age of 82 in Ruxton, Maryland, from complications of leukemia. His family held a visitation on November 18, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Ruck Towson Funeral Home in , followed by a memorial service the next day at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in . In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the or the . Throughout his career, Matte earned two selections in 1968 and 1969 for his performance as a with the . He was also inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003, recognizing his contributions as a and for the Buckeyes, where he served as the 1960 team MVP. Following his death, the issued a statement honoring Matte as a beloved figure in the community, with owner recalling his childhood excitement at meeting Matte at Colts and praising him as a great ambassador for football who embraced the team upon their arrival in in 1996. head coach expressed condolences to Matte's family, noting a special bond through his mother and describing Matte as a man of now with his maker. In 2024, author Joel Poiley published Last Man Standing: How Tom Matte's Memorable 1965 Season Highlighted a Remarkable NFL Career, providing an intimate account of Matte's life and achievements, including his emergency role.

References

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