Robert Mathis Calls it a Career

The longtime Indianapolis Colt announced his retirement a few days prior to the 2016 season finale against the Jaguars.

Once the game concluded, he awarded the game ball to his wife leaving the gridiron with no regrets. Mathis will easily go down as one of the greatest players to don the blue and white jersey.

It is so hard for a defensive player, let alone an outside linebacker, to stay consistent with their production for an entire career. But Mathis recorded seven or more sacks for 12 straight seasons, only missing the mark his rookie year and his final campaign.

And like all football heroes, he went out with a bang. He capped his career with his patented strip sack in the fourth quarter to give his Colts the eventual win.

His 54 forced fumbles are the most of all-time in NFL history.

Mathis will forever be remembered as half of the fearsome pass rushing duo alongside Dwight Freeney. Teammates for 10 seasons together, they carried an otherwise weak Colts defense. When it comes to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2000’s, the offense dominates the story. Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James and Reggie Wayne; all All-Pro talents.

But Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney anchored the other side of the pigskin which led to an eventual Super Bowl victory.

Freeney should make some Hall of Fame noise once he is up in five years. Alongside having the most forced fumbles in NFL history, he ranks No. 17 in sacks with 123. His buddy Freeney ranks No.18; trailing by half of a sack. He finished his career with six pro bowl nods and two All-Pro teams.