Ross Matiscik

Ross Matiscik's Biography

Ross Matiscik, born on September 13, 1996, in Youngstown, Ohio, is a talented American professional who has marked his name prominently in the National Football League (NFL). Today, he wears the jersey of the Jacksonville Jaguars, donning the role of a long snapper. His dedication and immense love for the game is evident in his remarkable career trajectory, from the streets of McKinney, Texas, to the shiny turfs of the NFL.

Ross spent his childhood in McKinney, where he attended McKinney Boyd High School. In this nurturing environment, he flourished in the fields of baseball and football, gaining a love for competitive sports that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Matiscik’s high school career saw him master the offensive line and linebacker positions, mainly shining as a middle linebacker. His performance during his senior year garnered him an all-state linebacker title and the honor of being named District 6-6A’s Defensive MVP. Concluding his high school football career with 233 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 intercepts, and a blocked field goal, he left high school without any recruitment offers from division one teams.

Undeterred by the lack of university interest, Matiscik maintained his passion for football and became a member of the Baylor Bears. In his inaugural year, he redshirted and joined the team as a walk-on, an opportunity that introduced him to the position of a long snapper. As Baylor’s primary long snapper for four seasons, Matiscik exhibited excellent gameplay. Nevertheless, he remained close to his roots in tackling by also serving as a reserve linebacker for the Bears.

After a fruitful college career, Matiscik stepped into the professional radar when the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2020. He started his NFL journey by making the 53-man roster out of training camp, surpassing the existing long snapper, Matthew Orzech. Matiscik made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in a season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, symbolizing his well-fought soil-to-stardom journey.

Matiscik’s journey with the Jaguars saw him sign a five-year contract on April 29, 2022, worth a lucrative $5.965 million, solidifying his position with the team until 2026. In recognition of his outstanding performances on the field, Matiscik received a selection to his first Pro Bowl on January 3, 2024. Adding to his growing list of accolades, he was also named as a member of the All-Pro First Team by the NFL Players Association and the Associated Press in the same year.

In conclusion, Ross Matiscik’s journey from a high school player in McKinney, Texas, to exhibiting exceptional football skills professionally in the NFL, all while donning the Jacksonville Jaguars’ jersey, is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and immense passion for football. Despite enduring setbacks, his journey is a celebration of steering one’s path through grit and unwavering belief in oneself. His life story is a vivid tapestry: a high school middle linebacker from Texas making his mark as a distinguished long snapper in the most significant professional football league in the world.