Former Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Jake Matthews continues to thrive in the NFL.
Former Texas A&M Aggies Offensive Lineman Jake Matthews Continues to Thrive in the NFL
Jake Matthews, a name synonymous with Texas A&M football excellence, has proven to be one of the most successful Aggies to ever transition to the NFL. From his days as a dominant offensive lineman at Texas A&M to his long and prosperous career with the Atlanta Falcons, Matthews has built a legacy of consistency, leadership, and success in professional football. His journey from College Station to the NFL is a testament to hard work, dedication, and his commitment to becoming one of the league’s top players.
This article delves into Matthews’ career, his transition from college to the NFL, his continued success at the professional level, and his lasting impact both on and off the field.
Early Life and College Career at Texas A&M
Jake Matthews was born into a football family. His father, Bruce Matthews, is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman who spent his entire NFL career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans. Growing up with such a legacy in the sport naturally set high expectations for Jake, but it also provided him with invaluable insight into the work ethic and mentality needed to succeed at the highest levels of football.
Matthews attended Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas, where he quickly established himself as a standout player. His size, athleticism, and football IQ set him apart, and it was clear from an early age that he had the potential to play at the collegiate level and beyond. By the time he graduated high school, Matthews was widely regarded as one of the top offensive line recruits in the country.
Matthews chose to attend Texas A&M University, where he would go on to become one of the best players in the school’s history. Playing under head coach Mike Sherman and later Kevin Sumlin, Matthews played a crucial role on the Aggies’ offensive line from 2010 to 2013. During his time at Texas A&M, Matthews was known for his versatility, playing both left tackle and right tackle with remarkable success.
One of the defining moments of Matthews’ college career came in 2012 when the Aggies made the jump to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The SEC is known for its elite defenses, and Matthews was immediately tested against some of the best defensive linemen in college football. Throughout his tenure in College Station, Matthews proved himself to be a stalwart on the Aggies’ offensive line, providing crucial protection for quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2012.
In his senior season, Matthews was named a consensus All-American and was widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the country. His performance on the field earned him numerous accolades, and he finished his collegiate career as one of the top prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft and Transition to the Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews entered the 2014 NFL Draft as one of the most highly anticipated offensive line prospects. He was widely considered one of the top tackles available, thanks to his combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence. Matthews’ ability to play both sides of the line made him an extremely valuable prospect for any NFL team looking to bolster its offensive line.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Matthews with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The selection was a reflection of the Falcons’ belief that Matthews could immediately step in and make an impact on their offensive line, which had struggled in recent years. Matthews was the first offensive lineman taken in the draft, a clear sign of his talent and potential.
From day one, Matthews made his presence felt with the Falcons. He started every game as a rookie and proved to be a reliable and consistent force on the offensive line. His ability to protect the quarterback, create running lanes, and provide stability to the Falcons’ offensive line helped set the foundation for the team’s future success. Matthews’ strong rookie season earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team, and it was clear that the Falcons had made the right choice by selecting him.
Continued Success with the Atlanta Falcons
Since joining the NFL, Jake Matthews has continued to excel, establishing himself as one of the league’s top offensive linemen. His ability to consistently perform at a high level has earned him respect from coaches, teammates, and opponents alike. Matthews has been a cornerstone of the Falcons’ offensive line, and his leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success over the years.
Pro Bowls and Accolades
Matthews’ consistency and excellence have been rewarded with multiple Pro Bowl selections. His first Pro Bowl appearance came in 2017, just three years into his NFL career, when he was recognized as one of the best offensive tackles in the league. Over the course of his career, Matthews has continued to be a staple in the Pro Bowl discussions, earning multiple selections and solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite offensive linemen.
In addition to his Pro Bowl selections, Matthews has been named to several All-Pro teams, further demonstrating his dominance on the field. His ability to neutralize elite pass rushers and create running lanes for the Falcons’ backs has been invaluable to the team’s offensive success. Matthews has faced some of the toughest defensive players in the NFL throughout his career, but his technique, strength, and intelligence have allowed him to consistently rise to the occasion.
Super Bowl LI Appearance
One of the most memorable moments of Matthews’ career came during the 2016 season, when the Atlanta Falcons made a deep playoff run and eventually reached Super Bowl LI. Matthews was a key component of the Falcons’ offensive line, helping protect quarterback Matt Ryan as the team’s offense flourished throughout the season. The Falcons’ offense was explosive, led by Ryan’s MVP performance and the dynamic playmaking ability of receivers like Julio Jones.
Although the Falcons ultimately fell short in the Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots in an epic comeback, Matthews’ performance during the season and in the playoffs was a testament to his abilities as one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen. The experience of playing in the Super Bowl was a major milestone in Matthews’ career, and while the loss was disappointing, it further solidified his reputation as one of the most talented players in the league.
Stability and Longevity
One of the most impressive aspects of Matthews’ NFL career has been his longevity and consistency. Offensive linemen often face high injury risks and wear-and-tear on their bodies, but Matthews has managed to remain durable and reliable throughout his career. He has started nearly every game for the Falcons since his rookie season, and his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level has allowed him to maintain his spot as one of the league’s top tackles.
The Falcons have relied on Matthews to anchor their offensive line for nearly a decade, and his leadership and performance have been crucial to the team’s success. Whether it’s protecting the quarterback or paving the way for running backs, Matthews has consistently delivered, and his presence on the field has been invaluable to the Falcons’ offense.
Jake Matthews: The Aggie Legacy in the NFL
Jake Matthews’ success in the NFL is a source of pride for Texas A&M University, as he has become one of the most accomplished former Aggies in professional football. Matthews’ career continues to exemplify the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence that are instilled in players at Texas A&M. His ability to transition from one of the top players in college football to one of the top players in the NFL is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
In addition to his on-field success, Matthews has remained deeply connected to the Texas A&M football program. He is frequently involved in community outreach programs, helping to mentor young players and provide guidance on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football. Matthews’ commitment to giving back to the Aggie community has made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
His success has also opened the door for other Texas A&M offensive linemen to follow in his footsteps. The Aggies have become known for producing top-tier talent at the offensive line position, and Matthews’ career has helped raise the profile of the program’s offensive line tradition.
Jake Matthews’ Future in the NFL
As of 2025, Matthews is still going strong in the NFL, and there is no indication that his level of play will decline anytime soon. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Matthews remains one of the top offensive tackles in the league. His experience, leadership, and consistency make him a valuable asset to the Atlanta Falcons, and his ability to mentor younger players will help ensure that the team’s offensive line continues to perform at a high level.
While Matthews has already accomplished so much in his career, his legacy in the NFL is far from finished. He has the potential to play several more years at a high level, continuing to contribute to the Falcons’ success and further solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s all-time great offensive linemen.
