Alabama A&M alumnus and Indianapolis Colts great Robert Mathis was just announced as a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mathis was one of the greatest HBCU players to enter the NFL in the modern era. He joins other Colts legends in Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, and Andre Johnson for the Class of 2024.

Mathis' domination at Alabama A&M helped him get drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. The former Bulldog was the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in his senior year. Additionally, with 20 sacks, he set an NCAA Division 1-AA single-season record. By the end of his career at Alabama A&M, Mathis recorded 223 total tackles, 46 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries. His success with the Bulldogs earned him a spot in the Black College Football Hall of Fame in February 2020.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·

In the 2003 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Mathis in the fifth round. He slid in the draft due to a lack of size at the position, but that didn't matter. Mathis spent his entire career with the Colts as a pass rush specialist. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, made the All-Pro team in 2013, and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year Voting that same season. He also helped the Colts win the Super Bowl in 2007.

By the end of his NFL career, Mathis held the Colts' team record for sacks with 123. He also held the NFL record for strip sacks with 47. In 2013, he recorded 19.5 sacks, just three away from tying Michael Strahan's single season record of 22.5 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles