20 Facts About Jordan Matthews

Early Life and Education

Jordan Matthews' journey to the NFL began in Covington, Georgia. His early years were shaped by a strong family and a love for sports.

1. Born in Covington, Georgia
   Jordan Matthews was born on November 20, 1992, to Michael and Lisa Matthews. His father, a high school football coach, influenced his early interest in sports.

2. High School Athlete
   Matthews attended Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. He excelled in football and track, earning multiple All-State and All-American honors.

College Career

Matthews' college years at Vanderbilt University were marked by impressive performances that set the stage for his NFL career.

3. Vanderbilt Scholarship
   After high school, Matthews received a scholarship to play football at Vanderbilt University. He played for the Commodores from 2011 to 2013.

4. Freshman Year Standout
   In his freshman year, Matthews started all 12 games, catching 77 passes for 1,261 yards and 8 touchdowns. He earned the Freshman All-American award.

5. Sophomore Success
   Matthews continued to excel in his sophomore year, catching 102 passes for 1,254 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was named SEC Receiver of the Year and a First-Team All-American.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Matthews' transition to the NFL began with the 2014 draft, where he quickly made a name for himself.

6. 2014 NFL Draft
   Matthews decided to forgo his senior year and entered the 2014 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the second round, 42nd overall.

7. Highest-Drafted Vanderbilt Receiver
   Matthews was the highest-drafted wide receiver from Vanderbilt since 1986, when Eddie Phillips was selected by the New York Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles (2014-2017)

Matthews' time with the Eagles was marked by significant contributions and memorable moments.

8. Rookie Season Impact
   As a rookie, Matthews started 13 games, catching 65 passes for 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. He earned a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.

9. Second Season Success
   In his second season, Matthews caught 85 passes for 1,255 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named a Pro Bowl alternate and selected to the NFL All-Pro Second Team.

10. Chemistry with Nick Foles
    Matthews developed a strong chemistry with quarterback Nick Foles, helping the Eagles reach the playoffs in 2013 and 2017.

Buffalo Bills (2017-2019)

Matthews' time with the Bills was challenging, but he still made valuable contributions.

11. Trade to Buffalo
    In 2017, Matthews was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2018 third-round draft pick. He signed a three-year contract worth $15 million.

12. First Season Struggles
    Despite high expectations, Matthews struggled in his first season, catching just 25 passes for 300 yards and one touchdown.

13. 2018 Season
    Matthews saw more playing time in 2018 but managed only 36 receptions for 409 yards and one touchdown. He was released by the Bills in March 2019.

San Francisco 49ers (2019-2020)

Matthews' stint with the 49ers saw limited action but valuable experiences.

14. One-Year Contract
    After being released by the Bills, Matthews signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He played a limited role, catching 14 passes for 186 yards and one touchdown.

15. Stiff Competition
    Matthews faced stiff competition from other receivers, including Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne.

Chicago Bears (2020)

Matthews' brief time with the Bears added another chapter to his NFL journey.

16. Signed by the Bears
    In October 2020, Matthews was signed by the Chicago Bears to provide depth at wide receiver. He played in six games, catching eight passes for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Personal Life and Off-Field Ventures

Beyond football, Matthews has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

17. Family Man
    Jordan Matthews is married to Taelor Lyles, whom he met in high school. The couple has two children together.

18. Philanthropy
    Matthews is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in his hometown of Covington, Georgia. He has supported local youth sports programs and various charity events.

19. Business Ventures
    Matthews co-founded a sports marketing firm called HighKey Holdings with his brothers. The company focuses on e-commerce, social media marketing, and influencer marketing.

20. Community Involvement
    Matthews has been involved in several community outreach programs, particularly in the Atlanta area. He has participated in youth football camps and donated to local food banks.

Jordan Matthews: More Than Just a Player

Jordan Matthews isn't just a talented wide receiver; he's a dedicated athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. From his early days in Covington, Georgia, to his standout college career at Vanderbilt, Matthews has consistently shown resilience and hard work. His NFL journey with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers highlights his versatility and leadership on the field. Off the field, Matthews' entrepreneurial ventures and community involvement paint a picture of a man committed to making a difference. Whether it's through his sports marketing firm, HighKey Holdings, or his charitable efforts, Matthews continues to inspire. His legacy extends beyond touchdowns and receptions, leaving a lasting impact on both the sports world and his community. As he looks to the future, Matthews' story is far from over, promising more contributions in various arenas.