March 31, 2016

Highlighted Year: Rashean Mathis, 2006

Cornerback, Jacksonville Jaguars


Age: 26
4th season in pro football & with Jaguars
College: Bethune-Cookman
Height: 6’1”   Weight: 195

Prelude:
Mathis intercepted 31 passes in college, playing both cornerback and free safety, and was a three-time Division I-AA All-American. He was chosen by the Jaguars in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft and moved directly into the starting lineup at cornerback, where, while still something of a raw talent, he impressed with his speed and size. Mathis improved in 2004 and intercepted five passes and followed up with another five in ’05, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He showed good playmaking ability and also was effective against the run.

2006 Season Summary
Appeared in all 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 8 [3, tied with Nnamdi Asomugha, Walt Harris & Charles Woodson]
Most interceptions, game – 2 vs. Pittsburgh 9/18, vs. Tennessee 11/5
Int. return yards – 146 [3, tied with Adrian Wilson]
Most int. return yards, game – 55 (on 2 int.) vs. Tennessee 11/5
Int. TDs – 0
Sacks – 0
Fumble recoveries – 0
Tackles – 56
Assists – 7

Punt Returns
Returns – 2
Yards – 9
Average per return – 4.5
TDs – 0
Longest return – 9 yards

Awards & Honors:
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News
Pro Bowl

Jaguars went 8-8 to finish third in the AFC South.

Aftermath:
With opposing quarterbacks throwing away from him, Mathis had just one interception in 2007 and his performance slipped in ’08 even though he ran two of his four interceptions back for scores. He missed six games due to groin and finger injuries in 2009 and, while back for all 16 games in 2010, Mathis was limited to nine games in 2011 with a torn ACL. He moved on to the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2013 and exceeded expectations while providing veteran savvy and leadership until retiring following the 2015 season. Overall, he played in 175 regular season games and intercepted 32 passes, a franchise-record 30 coming with Jacksonville, with four returned for TDs.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating
Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)
Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)
All-Purpose: Total Yards
Defense: Interceptions, Sacks
Kickoff Returns: Average
Punt Returns: Average
Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970