Rashean Mathis played in the NFL for 13 seasons, 10 of them with the Jaguars. He recorded a Jaguars record 30 interceptions in his time with the team. Mathis also holds Jaguars record for passes defended (104), defensive touchdowns (3), interception return yards (512), and is 5th all time in total tackles. In 2006 Rashean was named First Team All-Pro. He almost single handedly willed the Jaguars to a victory against the Steelers in Pittsburgh during the 2007 Playoffs, with 2 interceptions, one of which he returned all the way for a touchdown. He famously shut down the once "unstoppable" Chad Johnson, who claimed that not a single cornerback in the NFL could cover him. Rashean did a great many things for the Jaguars on the field, including being the most reliable defender in Jaguars history, but his story is what makes him one of the most memorable Jaguars of all time.
The fickle nature of football fans can be most unfortunate. Mathis' last couple years in Jacksonville were rough, partly due to a decline in his own skills and partly due to a lack of talent around Mathis, but in the end most fans wanted him gone. But, that is the nature of the business and now that Rashean is retiring most will remember him fondly and some will remember him as the greatest Jaguar defender of all time.
Mathis will officially announce his retirement today at 1:30 pm. He will sign with the Jags on a one day contract. Some have speculated that Mathis will likely be the fourth member of the Pride of The Jaguars and could be inducted as soon as this season. The retirement press conference can be followed live on Jaguars.com. |
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