| PERSONAL INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Position | Halfback/Right End |
| Height | 6' 0" |
| Weight | 185 lbs. |
| College | Clemson University |
| Drafted | 1951 |
| 7th Round (81st Overall) | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers |
| CAREER HISTORY | |
|---|---|
| 1951-1955 | Halfback, Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1956-1959 | Right End, Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1960 | Right End, Dallas Cowboys |
| CAREER HIGHLIGHTS | |
|---|---|
| Pro Bowl | 1952, 1955 |
| Hall of Honor | 2022 |
He played before the Steelers reached their glory years, but Ray Mathews brought his share of glory to the Steelers with his play during nine seasons in the black and gold.
Mathews was drafted in the seventh round of the 1951 NFL Draft, the 81st overall selection out of Clemson.
He finished his Steelers career with 230 receptions for 3,919 yards, which ranks 11th in team history.
Mathews played halfback and right end, which in today's game is the flanker position. He led the Steelers in receiving for three straight seasons, 1954-56. In 1954 he had 44 receptions for 762 yards and six touchdowns, while in 1955 he had 42 receptions for 762 yards and six touchdowns. Mathews had 31 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns in 1956.
One of the best games of his career came against the Cleveland Browns in 1954, the first time the Steelers defeated their rival. Mathews scored four touchdowns, including three touchdown receptions, in the 55-27 victory.
Mathews, who attended McKeesport High School in the Pittsburgh area, was one of the Steelers early hometown heroes. And he did his hometown proud as a two-time Pro Bowl selection (1952 and 1955).
Mathews finished his playing career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1960 after he was selected by them in the expansion draft and went on to coach following his playing days.