By Darin 
What happens when you combine world-class Olympic speed with the power of an elite NFL fullback? You get Ollie Matson, a man so talented that a professional team once traded nine players just to get him on their roster. From leading the legendary 1951 San Francisco Dons to an undefeated season to standing on the podium at the Helsinki Olympics, Matson was a once-in-a-century athlete. Whether he was outrunning defenders on the college turf or racking up 12,000 yards in the pros, Matson redefined what it meant to be a dual-threat weapon. Step into the career of the man they called “Mr. Touchdown.”
Football Bio
May 1, 1930 – Trinity, Texas – The University of San Francisco’s stud halfback of 1949 to 1951, Ollie Matson, was born. Ollie was blessed with the size, speed, and balance that very few have been gifted with. To get the full appreciation of Ollie Matson, you need to go to our Sports History Network expert on Matson’s career, historian Joe Ziemba. https://sportshistorynetwork.com/football/nfl/ollie-matson/
In just his sophomore year, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry. An injury hampered his efforts as a junior, but the elusive superstar returned as a senior and led the Dons of San Fran to an undefeated record in 1951. Ollie won the “Mr. Touchdown” award, scoring 21 touchdowns and finishing as a contender for the Heisman Trophy.
After that season, he turned around and won silver and bronze at the 1952 Olympic Games! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly displayed a tribute to Ollie Matson in its legendary museum in 1976. In 1952, Matson was the number one overall pick by the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL Draft. He played well for the Cards but was traded to the Rams in 1959 for nine players! You can learn more about that trade here. Ollie racked up over 12,000 yards of total offense in the League and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Conclusion
Ollie Matson’s legacy is a rare tapestry of collegiate dominance, Olympic glory, and professional excellence. He was the focal point of the 1951 USF Dons, a team famous not just for their 9-0 record, but for their incredible character in refusing a bowl invitation that would have required them to leave their Black teammates at home. Matson’s transition to the NFL saw him become one of the most versatile players in history, excelling as a rusher, receiver, and return man. As a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, Matson remains a shining example of pure athletic brilliance and unwavering integrity.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1972.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1976.
- 1952 Olympic Medalist: Won Silver (4x400m relay) and Bronze (400m) in Helsinki.
- NFL Draft: #1 Overall Pick in the 1952 NFL Draft (Chicago Cardinals).
- 6× First-Team All-Pro: (1952, 1954–1957, 1959).
- 6× Pro Bowl Selection: (1952, 1954–1958).
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team: Recognized as one of the best of the era.
- “Mr. Touchdown” Award: Led the nation with 21 touchdowns in 1951.
- NCAA Rushing Leader: Led the country with 1,566 rushing yards in 1951.
- NFL Record Trade: Traded from the Cardinals to the Rams for nine players in 1959.
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team: Finalist/Honoree.