Jerome Mathis

Jerome Alvon Mathis (born July 26, 1983 in Petersburg, Virginia) is a professional American and Canadian football wide receiver and kick returner who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Power. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football for Hampton.

Mathis has also been a member of the Washington Redskins. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and was an All-Pro with the Texans in 2005.

Early years

Mathis attended Petersburg High School in Petersburg, where he was an all-state, all-district and all-metro wide receiver and kick returner. He left high school as a six time state champion in track, winning the 2001 national indoor 200 meter title, and setting the 7th fastest time in the nation with 21.79 seconds, at the Nike Classic. He also set the joint 5th fastest 55 meter indoor time in the nation that year with 6.36, 0.01 seconds faster than Tyson Gay, and the 2nd fastest 300 meter indoor time with 34.03.

College career

Mathis holds the NCAA record for career kick return average, breaking the record set by John Taylor of Delaware State University, with an average of 26.6 yards per return. He also holds the NCAA record for career kickoff returns for a touchdown with six.

Professional career

Pre-draft

Mathis recorded the third fastest 40 time (4.28 seconds) ever at the NFL Combine, behind Fabian Washington (4.25 seconds) and......
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