Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…

22. Ollie Matson

Drafted third overall by the Chicago Cardinals in the 1952 NFL Draft out of the University of San Francisco, following Olympic medals in track (bronze in 400m, silver in 4x400m relay), Ollie Matson shared Rookie of the Year honors as a versatile halfback.

He played for the Cardinals (1952, 1954-1958), Los Angeles Rams (1959-1962), Detroit Lions (1963), and Philadelphia Eagles (1964-1966), missing 1953 for Army service.

Matson’s peak included 1956 with Chicago, rushing for 924 yards (4.8 average) and a 105-yard kickoff return touchdown, and 1959 with the Rams, posting 863 yards (5.4 average) in nine starts. Traded to the Rams in a historic nine-player deal, he excelled in multifaceted roles despite playing on mostly losin

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