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Ollie Matson Obituary
Matson died Saturday of respiratory failure surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, his nephew Art Thompson III told The Associated Press.
Thompson said Matson had been mostly bedridden for several years due to a form of dementia. He said Matson hadn't spoken in four years.
As a senior at the University of San Francisco, Matson led the nation in rushing yardage and touchdowns while leading the Dons to an undefeated season. He was the No. 1 pick of the Chicago Cardinals and third overall in the 1952 NFL draft, and went on to share rookie of the year honors with Hugh McElhenny of the 49ers.
Matson played with the Cardinals from 1952-58 before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams for nine players. He made the cover of Sports Illustrated in 195 7.
He spent 1959-62 with the Rams, then played a single season for the Detroit Lions before finishing his career with Philadelphia from 1964-66.
Matson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972, and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, winning MVP of the 1956 game. He also made the All-Pro team seven times.
Matson earned a silver medal in the 1,600-meter relay and a bronze in the 400 meters at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
Born May 1, 1930, in Trinity, Texas, Ollie Genoa Matson II moved to San Francisco when he was in high school. After graduation from George Washington High, where he developed into one of the city's greatest prep athletes, he enrolled at City College of San Francisco. He spent one year there before transferring to USF.
Thompson said before his uncle's health declined in the past week, he could walk with assistance and his children often took him on outings.
"For those in his family, he was 'The Man,'" said Thompson, a former sports writer for The Orange County Register. "Whether it was barbecuing, listening to his collection of Dinah Washington and Sam Cooke albums, winning games of skill, giving sage advice to the younger generation or just maintaining a calm steady hand ... we all felt his positive influence."
Matson is survived by his children Lisa, Ollie III, Bruce and Barbara; his twin sister Ocie Thompson; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Mary, whom he married in 1954, is deceased.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
95 Entries
Calvin Bealer
February 8, 2023
Prayers and Condolences to the Matson Family. Calvin Bealer
Kj Rink
April 5, 2019
A hero to my family of Chicago Cardinal fans. My Mom had a decal of #33 in her car - never affixed - until she left this earth. I have it now. Blessings and Light to the Soul of Your beloved Ollie Matson. He was greatly cheered by many. Thank you.
jay draudt
February 20, 2018
Still remember those autograph requests this great man signed when I asked him.
If he played today they couldn't stop him and I still have fond memories of his greatness and he is missed. RIP #33.
Harry Simpson
February 19, 2018
Rest Ollie, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
How you can show support
ollie matson 111
March 22, 2016
I have just read these beautiful thoughts from my fathers friends and fans. As his name sake thsnk you for these ghreat thoughts. I am blown away by the love and kindness being shared by his fans and friends. To me he was just dad and a person who always answered the bell for his family and friends. Again thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Ollie matson 111 son
vic bullock
February 19, 2015
Remember when he came to Rams, was a fullback
who packed the mail then, didn't call 'em running back. Great player, but like a lot, never played for NFL title (Super Bowl now)...
Not a Ram record, traded 11 for Les Richter
Teri Celentano-Kephart
May 12, 2014
Mr. Matson, thank you for being our neighbor for those four years. Our family loved yours dearly. At a tender age you taught me and Bubby life lessons not forgotten. Teri
walter Little
November 8, 2013
Great man!!
WENDY HUBBARD
January 28, 2012
MISS WENDY ELAINE HUBBARD NO MORE INVITES TO THE HUDSON LOCATION HOME AROUND THE CORNER FROM 1116 SOUTH LONWOOD AVENUE FOR BBQ WITH HE AND HIS LOVING WIFE.
Jim Duffy
December 15, 2011
Ollie, I watched you, enthralled as you played for the Chicago Cardinals. I particularly remember two long TD runs being called back against the Bears in Wrigley Field in 1956. You were the best! Thank you.
Daniel Arp
August 12, 2011
I never met Mr. Matson but I heard so many great things about him from all the family members of his son Bruce, as a dental patient and a piano teacher to Mr. Matson's grandchildren. I always enjoyed reading on the internet about all Ollie Matson's great talents and the enjoyment others got from witnessing them. Rest in peace Mr. Matson.
April 21, 2011
My father, Dr. Edward J. Griffin, was Dean of the School of Education at USF when Ollie studied there, and my dad admired him. I was in grade school when Ollie played for the Dons. My dad took me to every home game and many of the away games, and Ollie was my hero. When I played fullback at Riordan High, I pulled every string available to get his number, 33. (When I played at USF, 33 had already been retired, so I got 17 in honor of Ollie's deceased teammate Roy Barni.) My dad followed Ollie's career assiduously; so did I. Now I live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St.. Paul, and when I hear people raving about Adrian Peterson, I tell them, "You should have seen Ollie Matson play." And that's not just some old guy romanticizing the past. The record, both in football and track, proves his greatness. If you are a young person reading this and you missed seeing Ollie Matson play, you truly missed a great artist. If you are someone lucky enough to have watched him in action, then you share with me a great privilege. Rest in Peace, number 33.
Edward Griffin
USF '59
sheila matson
April 12, 2011
I did not know Ollie,I googled my name,Sheila Matson and on the list was this gentleman I did not know,I wished I had met him,outside of us having the same last name,It sounds to me that he lived a life of his dreams,God Bless. SHEILA L. MATSON 1 607 588 6050
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
Juanita Fleming
March 18, 2011
Ollie, thanks for making sure that I got home safe from our early morning jogs. You will be missed dearly.
Juanita
fannie washington
March 12, 2011
Hi Barbara and Lisa,
My best to the two of you and your family.
I am saddened by the death of Mr.Matson.
Fannie Washington
fannie washington
March 12, 2011
Barbara,
I have not spoken to you or your family in some years.
When I heard about the passing of your father, I remember how he was so sweet to me.
God Bless you,
Fannie Washington
Luigi Micheli
March 9, 2011
God bless this great American ! RIP
Luigi Micheli
March 9, 2011
March 9, 2011
To the Matson Family,
My condolences on the passing of a great and loved American.
I was introduced to his son Ollie, over the phone by Dr. David Hoxie. They grew up together in L.A. I remember my dad telling me how he loved to watch Ollie in game, as long as he was not playing against the Baltimore Colts. My dad said he was one of the best. Now my dad will get to see Ollie play again in heaven.
In closing, I extend my prayers and best wishes to the Matson Family
Dave Mann
Craig Mann
March 5, 2011
My family knew Ollie well as my uncle, Dave Mann, and he starred together. Both grew up in the Bay Area, Ollie in San Francisco and my uncle in Oakland. My Uncle Dave played with Ollie at Fort Ord and with the Chicago Cardinals, sharing the backfield on both teams. I just met Ollie's nephew, Art Thompson III, via email and look forward to speaking with him soon.
In closing, I extend my prayers and best wishes to the Matson and extended family.
Dennis Haughey
March 3, 2011
To the Matson Family,
Ollie was a hero in our household. My dad was a reporter for the San Francisco News in the 50's. I grew up hearing how great a player (and person) Ollie was. He talked of his prowess and challenges often. Ollie made me feel special after a game at Kezar Stadium, in San Francisco. He signed an autograph in front of my friends and said to pass on his best wishes to my dad. Ollie was a class act, and his warmth was obvious. My condolences on his passing. He was a part of my life, as well. You should be proud and blessed to have him in your life. I remember that there was a lot of racism during that time and my dad took a lot of flack for supporting Ollie. My dad, Joe Haughey, died in 1982, but Ollie remained his hero.
With sincere condolences,
Dennis Haughey (Go Dons!)
The Rev. Madison Shockley II
Madison Shockley II
March 2, 2011
To the Matson Family, My condolences at the passing of a great man. Coach Matson was truly a great influence on me from my high school days playing football at Los Angeles High and throughout my adult life as a neighbor, church member, mentor and friend. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Michael Scott
March 1, 2011
To the Matson Family..my deepest condolence ,it was exciting to hear from a hall a famer like Jim brown and mike Warren from hill street blues in 1983 at a ucla vs cardinals basketball game talk so highly of Ollie.It was like Jim turn into a teenager talking about how much he idolized ollie as a kid growing up It was funny I mention Ollie was my great uncle a 2 second autograph signing turn into a hour conversation ,with jim .it was the most amazing thing that ever happen to me ...Ollie and my aunt Mary have a wonderful time in heaven.
Gone, but not forgotten.
Dr. Karen Loughridge
March 1, 2011
To the Matson family. My deepest sympathy. I am sure that you are a proud family, I went to school with Margaret and my Mother knew Mr. Ollie Matson. Thank you for sharing him with us. Continue to go forth with the pride he instilled in all of us Eagles.
Dr. Karen Loughridge
David Nielsen
February 27, 2011
To the Matson Family, my deepest condolences. It was so enjoyable to listen on WCFL radio as Bob Elston described the play of Ollie. I grew up a Chicago Cardinal fan and loved Mr. Matson as he played for them. I really felt bad when he was traded.
May God bless you during this time of heartache through our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. "Blessed are those who mourn because they will be comforted." There will be a great reunion some day soon.
Jeffery Champion
February 27, 2011
My sympathy to the Matson Family. Your father was an outstanding athlete and humanitarian. May his legacy help young people. It's a honor for me to recognize this Kappa man during our centennial year.
February 26, 2011
My memories, and condolences to the Matson family I was a school
mate of his wife Mary Girls High school. May God bless you at
this time. Verilene Booth Smith and family Suisun city Ca.
February 26, 2011
My memory of Ollie Matson was after a game in Chicago, my dad took me up to the locker room,( I was 7) and got to shake his hand. My favorite Chi. Cardinal! RIP.He will be missed. s
Reggie Berizko-White
February 25, 2011
I never met Ollie Matson. I was a big fan of his career in the NFL.
His son Ollie Matson Jr was a basketball star at Pepperdine University. I had the great pleasure of knowing him through the "old Bayou Classic" in Lafayette, LA when Pepperdine was one of the participants. I want to express my condolences to Ollie on the loss of his Father
Stamps Family
February 25, 2011
Matson Family please accept our deepest condolences and sympathy. May god comfort you in your time of need.
Stamps Family, Stone Mountain, GA
Mrs. Hemingway
February 25, 2011
I offer my condolences to the family and friends of such a great man... He will always be remembered as one of the ones that paved the road for the future athletes... Thank you God for lending him to us...
the Hemingway family
Greg Phillips
February 25, 2011
Rest in peace
February 24, 2011
MATSON FAMILY,
I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WOW, WHAT A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS. MR. OLLIE WAS CERTAINLY A TRAILBLAZER, PAVING THE WAY FOR ATHLETES OF TODAY. MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT GIVE YOUR FAMILY STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THE DAYS AHEAD. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
LISA
February 24, 2011
RIP.
Sheila Matson Shackelford
February 24, 2011
May you RIP Ollie Matson(cousin). God bless the entire family - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chas Bryant
February 24, 2011
QAnother of God's Angels called home, to the entire Matson Family,remember, God let us enjoy His child, he spreaded joy, from tiny Trinity,Tx to the mega capitol, Los Angel..s
Emanuel Brule'
February 23, 2011
You will be in our hearts as I remember you and your family from Balwin Hills Pop Warner football, as well as your contribution to our community. Thanks for the love. EMB
Bill Snyder
February 23, 2011
To the Matson Family, we give our sincere condolences. What a tremendous athlete and inspiration. I was fortunate to watch him play and my friends and I tried to emulate, his moves. A fantastic player and a pioneer; in aiding a more responsible atmosphere for, Athlete's of color..We all thank you for your grace, under fire.
Cyneka Washington
February 23, 2011
Rip cousin Ollie..u will be truly missed
Bill O'Rourke
February 23, 2011
RIP Sir.
February 23, 2011
So sorry to hear about Ollie's death. He was a superb athlete, and as a kid, I watched him play for the Rams. My heartfelt condolences to his family
Atkins Pervis
February 23, 2011
"Ollie, may you rest in peace with no worry or cares. God Bless your family."...Pervis Atkins and family(LA,Ca)
Darrell Barfield
February 23, 2011
R.I.P Sir!
Norman E. Clark
February 23, 2011
To Doc & the entire Matson Family: Our sincere condolences. Our prayers are for you, with you and the soul of your beloved Father & loved one, a great athlete and person of this earth...may his soul rest in peace.
February 23, 2011
May you rest in peace no. 33 (Eagles 1964-1966). God Bless.
-Ed Owen Jr.
T Fields
February 23, 2011
When Ollie wakes up, he will be young once again (Job 33:24) and won't be sick anymore either.
Dolon Peete
February 23, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harry Simpson
February 22, 2011
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
February 22, 2011
To My Extended Family, It was a joy to know Papa. He was a gentle and kind man. Our children loved his visits to your home in Americus. We are so sad that he has left this life, but gratefeul that we got to know and love him. No matter where life leads you, you will always be our family and friends. You were there for us when we needed you most. You are in our prayers and hearts always.
The Sabbs Tribe
Americus, GA
Charles McGee
February 22, 2011
Ollie Matson-what an athlete, what a nice human being. His cabaret was a place where we 'wonnabees' could hang out and soak up his goodness. California's gain was Texas' lost.
Henry Mitchell
February 22, 2011
So Sorry To Hear Of Your Loss. BE BLESSED.
Parker Family
February 22, 2011
May your celebration of the wonderful life of this great hero give you peace as you mourn his passing. God bless Ollie Matson.
Pia Hughes
February 22, 2011
Praying for the family during this time. Ollie was a kind man with a gentle soul. He was a blessing to those whose lives he touched.
tommy murphy
February 22, 2011
#33 you were a bulldozer ...Philly loves you ...Tommy the G
February 22, 2011
I remember him when he played for the Eagles when I was a kid. He always played hard and he never got in trouble with the law. Carl Blair, Atlanta, GA
February 22, 2011
My teammate and personal friend at Washington H.S that continued during our adult life, he was one of a kind. The happy memories will remain with me forever.
Bob Keropian, NFF
Roland Shaw
February 22, 2011
To Bruce Matson and family: you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Rho-Daddy
PAUL JACKSON
February 22, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Linda Jackson
February 22, 2011
What a great legend he was and his memory will last forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Evette
February 22, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 22, 2011
MAY GOD KEEP THE FAMILY IN PERFECT PEACE.
Surlovia Hutto
February 21, 2011
Sorry for your lost, where you are today I have been there twice with my two sons.
I learn that God is to wise to make any mistake. I learn that prayer make it easy to endue, but it will be ruff for a while.You all loved him but God loved him best that why He gave him a peaceful rest-may God bless all of you.
February 21, 2011
WAS ONLY A CHILD, BUT I REMEMBER READING OF HIS ATHLETIC CAREER...ESPECIALLY THE OLYMPICS. RIP OLLIE.
Sheryl R. Lamb-Davis
February 21, 2011
Rest in peace Ollie Matson. My condolensces to the family.
Kermit Arnold
February 21, 2011
THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES OLLIE. AND KEEP THOSE OTHER GUY'S IN CHECK WHEN YOU SEE THEM.
Keith Rahn
February 21, 2011
When you look up Man in the dictionary,you'll see Ollie Matson!
God speed!
Jon Cooper
February 21, 2011
Ollie Matson was my boyhood hero. My downstairs neighbor in Chicago in the 50s, Bob Rebora worked for United Airlines and flew with the Cardinals on their road trips. He brought me pictures of the Chicago Cardinals and of course my hero Ollie. I saw him play at my first pro game in the 50s and followed his career wherever he played. When the Cardinals traded him I was heartbroken. He was the greatest all-purpose back I ever saw and an example of what an athlete should be. My condolences to the Matson family. Rest in Peace Ollie.
Jerry Brown
February 21, 2011
I never knew this man but he had to have been SOME football player. My sincere condolences to his family. God bless all of you
catherine
February 21, 2011
My condolences to the family of Ollie Matson. May you find comfort in God's great Mercy.
Ollie was a remarkable man.
R Thomas
February 21, 2011
So sorry to hear of Mr. Matson's passing. I was a fan of his and followed his career where ever he was playing. He was truly a great player and an inspiration to all.
WILFRED MONTAGUE
February 21, 2011
WHERE I'M FROM (MEMPHIS) WE ALL GREW UP WANTING TO BE LIKE OLLIE MATSON. WE HAD CONTEST AMONG US TO SEE WHO HAD THE BEST "LEAN" LIKE OLLIE. HE MADE US SO PROUD. AND IN THE 50'S WE NEEDED IT. THANKS MR. MATSON
Anthony Rodgers
February 21, 2011
Watched you play ,you were great.
RIP Ollie
Jack Woods
February 21, 2011
My father and I used to go to Comiskey Park to watch the Chicago Cardinals play on Sunday afternoon. Ollie Matson was one of my favorite players. His passing brought back many wonderful memories of watching him run the ball plus all those great times a little boy was able to spend with his dad.
Jim
February 21, 2011
your memories are still with me. Rest in peace.
Bobby Wilcox
February 21, 2011
My favorite pro running back of all time. I think he was the best, as well. But I also appreciated the person. We have really lost someone valuable. God bless him and his family as well.
embry malone
February 21, 2011
"Mr Matson was a Lion among me".Embry Malone Pepperdine 1977
February 21, 2011
Played with Ollie on the Fort Ord Warrior Team 1952 . he was the most remarkable player I have ever seen, during that period. A great friend and he will long be remembered. and missed. Jay D Phillips
Michael Lentz
February 21, 2011
You were one of the greatest running backs of all time. I was lucky enough to see you play. You had such class & you could high step through those holes with blazing speed. Thanks for the great memories.
February 21, 2011
A life well lived.
Rest in peace you good and faithful servant.
Dorothy Veal-Christmas
R Golay
February 21, 2011
To the the family of Ollie Matson - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Ollie will be missed by many.
Steve Hinds
February 21, 2011
My sympathy to the Matson family. Ollie was a great player and a great person, (even tho I was a Lions fan at the time.
Fred Ellenburg
February 21, 2011
So sad.
Joella Varner
February 21, 2011
To the family of Ollie Matson, My deepest sympathies are with you at this time of your loss, continue to hold dear to your heart the wonderful memories you all shared together.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The God of tender mercies, and the God of all comfort."
(2 Cor. 1:3,4)
ahmad abdul jabbaar
February 21, 2011
one of the greatest running backs of all time.he is also a texas born southern gentleman as am i.truly a class act.job well done my brother.ahmad abdul jabbaar
Bradley
February 21, 2011
One of the great backs in NFL history. Rest in peace, Mr. Matson.
C. Syd
February 21, 2011
So sorry for your loss. God promises us that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes,
and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.
The former things have passed away.
February 21, 2011
I remember watching him in the 50s with Chicago running away from poeple. He was always the best on the field. They had to surround him to get him down. Thanks for the memories.
Robert Franklin
February 21, 2011
Ollie,
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I did not kmnow him, but we know you and that speaks volumes.
Robert & Eddie Franklin-Primerica
Dennis Hogensen
February 21, 2011
One of the grestest players to make his way to the end zone in old Comiskey Park, according to my old neighbor Mike. He would say that "Ollie did the Southside of Chicago proud , when we had our own team". When ever the discussion came up upon the subject of football, Mike would always say, "you should have been there to see Ollie run".
February 21, 2011
Dear Bruce, Wanda, Kyle, and Paige:
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the grace of our Lord comfort you and give you peace. May the beautiful memories of his love sustain you during this difficult time.
Lionell, Arva, Jonathan, and Janell
Johnette M
February 21, 2011
As I read the story about Ollie Matson, I realized he had truly lived a full life. I would like to pass on my condolences to the Matson Family. May you find comfort in the words found at Rev 20:13 where it says, “The sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them,… And death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.” I hope you can find comfort in these words.
Sincerely
Yolanda Davis & Family
February 21, 2011
My prayers go out to the family of "The Great Ollie Matson." God Bless you.
F Flowers
February 21, 2011
The man may be gone but his legacy remains. May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of Ollie as you celebrate a life well-lived.
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