Jordan Matthews Bio
Jordan Armand Matthews is an American professional football tight end. Born on July 16, 1992, in Madison, Alabama, he attended Madison Academy before going on to star at Vanderbilt University. Matthews entered the National Football League (NFL) in 2014 when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the second round of that year’s draft. After spending most of his career as a wide receiver, he converted to tight end following the 2020 season, a transition that extended his professional career.
Over the course of his NFL journey, Matthews has played for several franchises, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Carolina Panthers. He is also known for his standout college résumé at Vanderbilt, where he set Southeastern Conference (SEC) records for receptions and receiving yards.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Armand Matthews was born on July 16, 1992, in Madison, Alabama, to parents Rod and Brenda Matthews. He grew up alongside his brother, Justin, and developed an early passion for competitive sports. Matthews attended Madison Academy, where he lettered in both football and basketball during his high school years.
As a senior, Matthews captained the Madison Academy football team to a 12–1 record, cementing his reputation as one of the state’s most reliable playmakers. By the end of his high school career, he had totaled 181 receptions for 3,218 yards and 38 touchdowns. Rated as a three-star recruit, he drew limited college interest, eventually choosing Vanderbilt after receiving a scholarship offer from head coach Bobby Johnson on Christmas Eve in 2009.
Path to American Football
Matthews committed to Vanderbilt on December 26, 2009, becoming one of the program’s most decorated receivers. As a true freshman in 2010, he posted 15 receptions for 181 yards and four touchdowns, signaling his potential early. By his sophomore season in 2011, he had grown into a featured target with 41 receptions for 778 yards and five touchdowns.
In 2012, Matthews emerged as a star, earning first-team All-SEC honors and finishing the year with 94 receptions for 1,323 yards and eight touchdowns. He cemented his legacy as a senior in 2013, setting the all-time SEC record for career receptions and receiving yards. He was named a first-team All-American by USA Today, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and the Associated Press, while also winning the 2013 CFPA Elite Wide Receiver Trophy and earning MVP honors at the 2014 BBVA Compass Bowl.
Jordan Matthews Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Matthews in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 42nd overall pick, trading up 12 spots to secure him. He signed a four-year rookie contract and immediately made an impact, scoring his first two career touchdowns in a Week 3 matchup against the Washington Redskins. He finished his debut season with 67 receptions for 872 yards and eight touchdowns.
Over his next two seasons in Philadelphia, Matthews produced consistently strong numbers, posting 85 receptions for 997 yards and eight touchdowns in 2015, and 73 receptions for 804 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. Following the 2016 season, the Eagles traded him to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for cornerback Ronald Darby.
Buffalo Bills Tenure (2017)
Matthews made his Bills debut on September 10, 2017, recording two receptions for 61 yards in a 21–12 victory over the New York Jets. He soon caught his first touchdown for Buffalo in an upset win over the Atlanta Falcons, but he suffered a fractured thumb in the same game.
Despite returning ahead of schedule, Matthews dealt with additional injuries throughout the year. He was placed on injured reserve in December 2017 after sustaining a knee injury. He finished the season with career lows of 25 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdown.
New England Patriots (2018)
On April 5, 2018, Matthews signed a one-year contract worth $1 million with the New England Patriots. His time in New England was brief, however, as a hamstring injury during training camp led to his release on August 1, 2018, under an injury settlement.
Philadelphia Eagles Second Stint (2018)
Following his release from New England, the Eagles re-signed Matthews on September 19, 2018, to bolster an injury-depleted receiving corps. He made an immediate impact, recording a 56-yard receiving touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4. Matthews finished the season with 20 catches for 300 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season, adding another score in the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2019–2022)
Matthews signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2019 but was released during final roster cuts. He rejoined the team multiple times between 2019 and 2020, contributing to a roster that reached Super Bowl LIV, though he did not play in the postseason. Following the 2020 season, Matthews announced his transition to tight end, adding roughly 30 pounds to prepare for the new role.
He re-signed with the 49ers in 2021 and 2022 but continued to move between the active roster and practice squad. In August 2022, he suffered a torn ACL in practice and was placed on season-ending injured reserve, effectively ending his tenure in San Francisco.
Carolina Panthers Era (2023–2025)
Matthews signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad on October 25, 2023. He moved between the practice squad and active roster several times during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He signed a reserve/future contract with Carolina on January 6, 2025, before being released on May 8, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Matthews holds the SEC’s all-time records for career receptions (262) and career receiving yards (3,759), marks he set during his senior season at Vanderbilt in 2013. His single-season record of 112 receptions stood for a year before Alabama’s Amari Cooper surpassed it in 2014. He is also one of the few active NFL players related to Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, as his mother Brenda is Rice’s cousin.
Jordan Matthews Career Wins
Matthews has been part of several playoff and Super Bowl-caliber teams throughout his NFL career, including a 49ers roster that reached Super Bowl LIV. While his individual statistics reflect consistent production, his teams have competed in multiple postseason runs.
Team Achievements
Matthews appeared in two playoff games during his second stint with the Eagles in 2018, contributing a touchdown reception. He was also part of the San Francisco 49ers squad that advanced to Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season.
Other Performances
During his college career at Vanderbilt, Matthews earned two first-team All-SEC selections (2012 and 2013) and was recognized as a first-team All-American in 2013. He was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week on November 16, 2013, capping one of the most decorated careers in Vanderbilt football history.
Jordan Matthews Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jordan Matthews is the son of Rod and Brenda Matthews. He has one brother, Justin. Through his mother’s side of the family, Matthews is related to Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, as Brenda is Rice’s cousin. Matthews is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Personal Life
Matthews is married to Cheyna Williams, a Chicago Red Stars soccer player who attended Vanderbilt before graduating from Florida State University. The couple have two sons together. Matthews is a practicing Christian and hosts the annual Vanderbilt Legends Charity Softball Game through his foundation, Matthews Mission, which supports organizations such as YWCA and AMEND Together that combat domestic violence.
2025 Season Performance
Jordan Matthews began 2025 with the Carolina Panthers after signing a reserve/future contract in January. His time with the team ended on May 8, 2025, when he was released by the Panthers. As of mid-2025, Matthews is a free agent.
Now playing as a tight end after his 2021 position switch, Matthews brings veteran experience and positional versatility to any potential NFL opportunity. His résumé, which includes SEC receiving records, multiple team stints, and Super Bowl experience, makes him a depth option for franchises seeking experienced receiver-tight end hybrid talent.