Workhorse for the Baltimore Colts

A 1st-round draft pick of the Baltimore Colts in 1961 Ohio State All-American Tom Matte spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Baltimore Colts. A 1st-team Pro Bowler in 1968 & 1969 he was named All-Pro in 69 when he led the league in touchdowns (13) and Total Yards (1422). Still ranks #3 on the Colts All-Time Career Rushing Touchdowns list (45) and #6 for Yards Rushing (4646).

Probably one of his most memorable moments in his career as well as in NFL History was when he started at quarterback in the Divisional Round loss of the 1965 Playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. Injuries put starter Johnny Unitas as well as back-up Gary Cuozzo out of commission. Colts head coach Don Shula made the decision to start Tom Matte, who had played quarterback in Ohio State’s run-first offense before being drafted by the Colts. The Packers pulled out a very controversial 13-10 overtime win over Matte and the Colts and would go on to defeat the Browns in the NFL Championship.

Baltimore Colts Runner Tom Matte
Tom Matte

Tom Matte Image Gallery

Tom Matte, Baltimore Colts 1961 - 1972

Tom Matte Football Cards

Tom Matte All Time Career Statistics

Career Rushing & Receiving Statistics
Rushing Stats Receiving Stats Totals
Year Age Team Games Carries Yards TD Long Y/A Catches Yards Y/R TD Long Touch Y/Tch YScm TDs
1961 22 BAL 8 13 54 0 11 4.2 1 8 8.0 0 8 14 4.4 62 0
1962 23 BAL 14 74 226 2 29 3.1 8 81 10.1 1 22 82 3.7 307 3
1963 24 BAL 14 133 541 4 31 4.1 48 466 9.7 1 49 181 5.6 1007 5
1964 25 BAL 14 42 215 1 80 5.1 10 169 16.9 0 30 52 7.4 384 1
1965 26 BAL 14 69 235 1 20 3.4 12 131 10.9 0 15 81 4.5 366 1
1966 27 BAL 14 86 381 0 30 4.4 23 307 13.3 3 35 109 6.3 688 3
1967 28 BAL 14 147 636 9 30 4.3 35 496 14.2 3 88 182 6.2 1132 12
1968* 29 BAL 14 183 662 9 23 3.6 25 275 11.0 1 50 208 4.5 937 10
1969*+ 30 BAL 14 235 909 11♦ 26 3.9 43 513 11.9 2 49 278♦ 5.1 1422♦ 13♦
1970 31 BAL 2 12 43 0 16 3.6 1 2 2.0 0 2 13 3.5 45 0
1971 32 BAL 14 173 607 8 26 3.5 29 239 8.2 0 34 202 4.2 846 8
1972 33 BAL 6 33 137 0 18 4.2 14 182 13.0 1 43 47 6.8 319 1
12-years with Colts 142 1200 4646 45 80 3.9 249 2869 11.5 12 88 1449 5.2 7515 57
  • + – All-Pro Selection
  • * – Pro Bowl Selection
  • ♦ – Led the League

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phil

Owner/Operator of NFL Past Players. Also runs New Orleans Saints History