Jordan Matthews

Jordan Matthews's Biography

Born on July 16, 1992, Jordan Armand Matthews has steadily risen in the world of American professional football. Currently, he serves as a tight end for the Carolina Panthers, a team that’s a part of the reputable National Football League (NFL). However, his route to where he currently stands didn’t happen overnight. His time in the NFL, starting from his entry through the NFL draft, his dynamic role changes, and other significant details about his career all paint a vivid journey of determination and grit.

Matthews’ early life comprised of time spent in Madison, Alabama, where he was born and raised. From an early age, Matthews was deeply passionate about football. His skills were honed during his time at Madison Academy, where, apart from football, he also showed an affinity for basketball. Matthews held an impressive record as a senior, leading his football team to an outstanding 12-1 record. His high school football career concluded with 181 receptions, 3,218 receiving yards, and 38 touchdowns under his belt.

Due to these accomplishments, Matthews was rated as a three-star recruit. Initially, Auburn had shown interest in Matthews during his junior year, overseen by Phillip Lolley, the director of Football External Operations. However, Matthews ultimately chose to walk on at Vanderbilt after receiving an offer, against offers from Kansas, Tulane, Arkansas St., and Jacksonville St. By the end of 2009, Matthews was committed to Vanderbilt.

As a true freshman at Vanderbilt, Matthews made significant progress. With 15 receptions for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 2010, he firmly established himself. His sophomore year proved to be even better, with 41 receptions for 778 yards and five touchdowns. Matthews stayed in the viewer’s eye, getting nominated to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, along with receiving first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and All-American selection nods. As a senior, Matthews solidified his legacy at Vanderbilt, winning the CFPA Elite Wide Receiver Trophy and multiple All-American titles, while also setting records for career receptions and career receiving yards.

Vanderbilt proved crucial in Matthews’ professional career as well. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft with the 42nd overall pick. On his debut year, Matthews managed to score 67 catches for 872 yards and eight touchdowns, followed by an even better performance in the subsequent year with 85 receptions for 997 yards and eight touchdowns.

Despite a slight drop in performance in his third year, Matthews remained a crucial player on the Eagles. In 2017, Matthews was traded to the Buffalo Bills for cornerback Ronald Darby. Unable to adjust due to injuries, Matthews was placed on injury reserve and struggled to replicate his previous form. Later on, Matthews signed a brief stint with the New England Patriots, only to be released due to an injury setback.

When Matthews rejoined the Eagles, he tried his best to revamp the injury-depleted receiving corps. Regardless of this, the team later signed Matthews for a one-year contract, and he was subsequently released multiple times from the San Francisco 49ers.

Throughout 2020, Matthews was shuffled between being released and re-signed by the 49ers. Despite being a part of the team when they played in Super Bowl LIV, he did not get game time. However, the season saw a significant shift in Matthews’ career as he committed to a position transition from being a wide receiver to a tight end.

In 2023 Matthews was signed to the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers, and eventually, he was promoted to the active roster. Though Matthews experienced being released and re-signed several times with the Panthers, he finally signed a reserve/future contract in 2024.

Off the field, Matthews maintains a firm and dedicated personal life. Married to Cheyna Williams, a prominent soccer player for the Chicago Red Stars, they share a family with two sons. Faith plays a significant role in Matthews’ life, evidenced by his strong Christian beliefs. He cherishes his strong family values provided by his parents, Brenda and Rod Matthews, and his brother, Justin.

Matthews also shares considerable fame regarding his ancestry, as football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice is a cousin of his mother. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, showing his dedication to community involvement. Matthews’ charity, Matthews Mission, hosts regular Vanderbilt Legends Charity Softball Games that serve to fund organizations that combat domestic violence, demonstrating his commitment to his roots and social causes.

Despite evolving dynamics and occasional setbacks, Jordan Matthews has indeed proven himself to be a formidable individual, both on and off the football field. His journey hints at an unwavering commitment and drive, positioning him as a noteworthy figure in American professional football.