Tom Matte
Thomas Roland Matte (June 14, 1939 – November 2, 2021) was an American professional football player best known as a versatile running back and occasional quarterback for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1961 to 1972.[1][2] A gritty and durable athlete, Matte gained lasting fame in 1965 as the NFL's first emergency quarterback, stepping in for three games after injuries sidelined stars Johnny Unitas and Gary Cuozzo, during which he led the Colts to key victories including a playoff berth.[3][4] Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Matte excelled in college football at Ohio State University, where he lettered for three seasons (1958–1960) as both a running back and quarterback under coach Woody Hayes.[5] In 1960, his senior year, he earned the team's Most Valuable Player award, first-team All-Big Ten honors at quarterback, third-team All-American recognition from the United Press International and American Football Coaches Association, and finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting after amassing 1,419 total offensive yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games.[5] Selected by the Colts in the first round (7th overall) of the 1961 NFL Draft and also by the New York Titans in the American Football League draft, Matte chose the NFL path and quickly became a key contributor on a Colts team featuring legends like Unitas and coach Don Shula.[1] Over his 12-year career, he appeared in 142 games, rushing for 4,646 yards and 45 touchdowns, with 13 receiving touchdowns, with career highs including 909 rushing yards in 1969; he earned Pro Bowl selections in 1968 and 1969 and contributed to the Colts' victory in Super Bowl V after the 1970 season.[1] Matte's versatility extended beyond the field; after retiring as a player, he served as a longtime radio broadcaster for the Colts and later the Baltimore Ravens, becoming a beloved figure in Baltimore sports lore.[6] He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and remained active in football circles until his death from complications of leukemia at age 82 in Ruxton, Maryland.[5][2][7]Early life
Family background
Thomas Roland Matte was born on June 14, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father, Roland Matte, was a Canadian-born professional hockey player who appeared in 24 National Hockey League games, including brief stints with the Detroit Cougars—a predecessor franchise to the Detroit Red Wings—during the 1929–30 season, as well as time with teams like the Chicago Black Hawks and Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets in minor leagues.[2] Following his parents' marriage in Pittsburgh, the family relocated to the Cleveland area in northeast Ohio during Matte's early childhood, where he was raised amid the industrial landscape of the region.[8] Matte earned the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth, an achievement his father actively encouraged to build character and self-reliance.[9] Matte's younger brother Bruce was a standout athlete at Miami University of Ohio, earning draft selections in both baseball and football before military service.[10][11]High school athletics
Tom Matte attended Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio, where he distinguished himself as a standout football player for the Cardinals.[12] His athletic prowess on the gridiron earned him local acclaim as one of the area's top talents during the late 1950s.[13] Primarily playing as a quarterback with versatility on defense as a defensive back, Matte demonstrated strong leadership and skill that highlighted his potential for higher-level competition. He was regarded as the premier football star at Shaw, contributing significantly to the team's efforts and building a reputation that extended beyond the school.[14] Matte's high school performances drew the attention of major college programs, culminating in his recruitment by Ohio State University head coach Woody Hayes, who targeted him initially as a defensive back.[15] This opportunity bridged his secondary school success to a prominent collegiate career.College career
Ohio State University
Tom Matte enrolled at Ohio State University in 1958, following a standout high school career as a quarterback at East Cleveland Shaw High School, where his skills in passing and running had caught the attention of Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes. Upon arriving on campus, Matte initially adapted to the rigors of college football by joining the freshman team, navigating the physical and mental demands of transitioning from high school athletics to a more intense varsity environment under Hayes' demanding regime. This period involved rigorous training and team integration, where Matte learned the discipline and fundamentals emphasized in Hayes' program, building on his prior experience to adjust to the higher level of competition and coaching scrutiny.[5][16] Midway through the 1959 season, Matte transitioned from running back to quarterback, a move orchestrated by Hayes to capitalize on his versatility and athleticism in the Buckeyes' offense. As starting quarterback in 1960, Matte operated within Hayes' conservative, run-oriented scheme, which prioritized ball control, short passes when necessary, and minimizing turnovers to maintain possession and execute precise plays. Hayes' influence was profound, fostering a perfectionist approach that shaped Matte's decision-making and leadership on the field, while encouraging adaptability in a system that valued running the football above all else. This positional role allowed Matte to integrate fully into the varsity squad, contributing to team dynamics through his multi-faceted skills developed under Hayes' guidance.[17][18][5] Academically, Matte pursued a degree in business management at Ohio State, balancing coursework with his athletic commitments in a campus environment that Hayes supported through a personal guarantee of graduation. He later returned after his NFL rookie season to complete his undergraduate requirements and earned a master's degree, with Hayes providing assistance, including covering some costs. Beyond football, Matte engaged in campus life by participating in track events like the quarter mile and pole vaulting, as well as playing hockey during his first year, which enriched his college experience and reflected the well-rounded student-athlete ethos promoted at the university.[17][16][19]Collegiate accomplishments
During his junior year in 1960, Tom Matte served as the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earning team MVP honors after leading the squad to a 7-2 record. He amassed 1,419 yards of total offense, including 737 passing yards on 50 completions out of 95 attempts for 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, alongside 682 rushing yards on 161 carries for 2 touchdowns, all in nine games.[15][20][21] Matte's dual-threat performance that season topped the Big Ten in passing touchdowns, rushing attempts, and total offense, contributing to key victories such as a 20-0 shutout of USC that helped secure a third-place finish in the conference. His versatility under coach Woody Hayes, who emphasized a run-heavy offense, allowed Matte to excel both through the air and on the ground, finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting.[20][21][22] For his efforts, Matte received First-Team All-Big Ten recognition as a quarterback and was named a Third-Team All-American by Football News, along with being selected as MVP of the East-West Shrine Game following the season. Over his three-year collegiate career from 1958 to 1960, he recorded 1,176 passing yards with 12 touchdowns on 78-of-146 completions and 868 rushing yards with 3 touchdowns on 258 carries, establishing himself as one of the conference's most dynamic players.[21][20]Professional career
Baltimore Colts tenure
Tom Matte was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the first round, seventh overall, of the 1961 NFL Draft.[1] His selection came after a standout college career at Ohio State, where he demonstrated quarterback skills that would later contribute to his NFL adaptability in emergency situations.[15] Matte spent his entire 12-season professional career with the Colts from 1961 to 1972, evolving from a rookie running back into a reliable veteran known for his durability and team-first approach.[1] During his tenure, the team experienced significant success under head coaches Weeb Ewbank and Don Shula. Ewbank, who coached Matte in his first two seasons, led the Colts to a 7-7 record in 1962, finishing fourth in the Western Conference.[23][24] Shula, taking over in 1963 as the youngest head coach in league history at age 33, guided the team to consistent winning records, including Western Conference championships in 1964 and 1968.[23] Under Shula, the Colts won the 1968 NFL Championship and advanced to Super Bowl III in 1969.[23] The team's momentum continued post-Shula, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl V following the 1970 season.[23] Primarily a running back, Matte showcased positional versatility by serving as a backup quarterback when injuries struck the Colts' signal-callers, a role that highlighted his utility on the roster.[25] His straight-ahead, hard-nosed running style earned him the nickname "Garbage Can," a moniker first applied by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras to describe Matte's tough, no-frills approach to gaining yards.[2] This versatility and work ethic made him a valuable asset during the Colts' competitive era in the 1960s.[25]Key roles and performances
One of Tom Matte's most notable contributions came during the 1965 NFL season when injuries sidelined starting quarterback Johnny Unitas and backup Gary Cuozzo, forcing the running back to step in as an emergency signal-caller for the Baltimore Colts.[2] Matte, who had college experience at quarterback for Ohio State, wore a wristband with plays scribbled on it and shared duties in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams on December 18, leading the Colts to a 20-17 victory that clinched a tie for the Western Conference title.[25][26] He started the subsequent divisional playoff against the Green Bay Packers on December 26, where the Colts fell 13-10 in overtime despite a competitive effort, and then guided the team to a 35-3 rout of the Dallas Cowboys in the Playoff Bowl (third-place game) on January 9, 1966, earning MVP honors for that contest.[27] Matte's versatility extended beyond this emergency role, as he became a key running back for the Colts, earning Pro Bowl selections in 1968 and 1969.[15] In 1968, he rushed for 662 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season, culminating in a standout playoff performance in the NFL Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns on December 29, where he carried 17 times for 88 yards and scored all three of his touchdowns in a dominant 34-0 victory.[25] The following year, Matte led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 11 while accumulating 909 yards on 235 carries, showcasing his reliability as a workhorse back in high-stakes situations.[28] Throughout his career, Matte exemplified two-way play, occasionally contributing on defense and special teams in addition to his offensive duties, which endeared him to coaches like Don Shula for his adaptability during critical moments.[2] His ability to fill multiple roles helped stabilize the Colts' backfield and passing game amid injuries, contributing to the team's success in the late 1960s.[29]NFL statistics
Tom Matte's NFL career with the Baltimore Colts spanned 1961 to 1972, during which he primarily excelled as a running back while also contributing as a receiver and occasional passer, particularly in 1965 when he filled in as quarterback due to team injuries.[1] His versatility is evident in career totals of 4,646 rushing yards, 249 receptions for 2,869 yards, and limited passing stats of 246 yards on 12 completions.[1] Matte earned Pro Bowl honors in 1968 and 1969 for his standout rushing performances.[1] The following tables summarize his year-by-year and career statistics, drawn from official records.[1]Passing Statistics
| Year | Completions-Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| 1962 | 5-13 | 85 | 1 | 0 | 87.0 |
| 1963 | 1-5 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 43.7 |
| 1964 | 3-4 | 58 | 1 | 0 | 156.2 |
| 1965 | 1-7 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
| 1966 | 0-3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
| 1967 | 1-5 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 42.1 |
| 1968 | 0-1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 1969 | 1-3 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 81.9 |
| 1970 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| 1971 | 0-1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 1972 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| Career | 12-42 | 246 | 2 | 2 | 53.2 |
Rushing and Fumble Statistics
| Year | Attempts | Yards | Yards per Carry | Longest Run | Touchdowns | Fumbles | Fumbles Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 13 | 54 | 4.2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1962 | 74 | 226 | 3.1 | 25 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 1963 | 133 | 541 | 4.1 | 61 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 1964 | 42 | 215 | 5.1 | 45 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1965 | 69 | 235 | 3.4 | 22 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 1966 | 86 | 381 | 4.4 | 50 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 1967 | 147 | 636 | 4.3 | 45 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| 1968 | 183 | 662 | 3.6 | 45 | 9 | 2 | 2 |
| 1969 | 235 | 909 | 3.9 | 57 | 11 | 4 | 4 |
| 1970 | 12 | 43 | 3.6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1971 | 173 | 607 | 3.5 | 36 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| 1972 | 33 | 137 | 4.2 | 20 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Career | 1,200 | 4,646 | 3.9 | 61 | 45 | 21 | 19 |
Receiving Statistics
| Year | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Longest Reception | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 0 |
| 1962 | 8 | 81 | 10.1 | 26 | 1 |
| 1963 | 48 | 466 | 9.7 | 45 | 1 |
| 1964 | 10 | 169 | 16.9 | 80 | 0 |
| 1965 | 12 | 131 | 10.9 | 28 | 0 |
| 1966 | 23 | 307 | 13.3 | 42 | 3 |
| 1967 | 35 | 496 | 14.2 | 80 | 3 |
| 1968 | 25 | 275 | 11.0 | 35 | 1 |
| 1969 | 43 | 513 | 11.9 | 42 | 2 |
| 1970 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1971 | 29 | 239 | 8.2 | 20 | 0 |
| 1972 | 14 | 182 | 13.0 | 30 | 1 |
| Career | 249 | 2,869 | 11.5 | 80 | 12 |