Ray Matthews

The Versatile Star of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Early Years

Before the Pittsburgh Steelers became the dynastic powerhouse that dominated the 1970s, there was a hard-nosed, do-it-all playmaker who carried the offense in the 1950s—Ray Mathews. A dynamic receiver, halfback, return man, and touchdown machine, Mathews was one of the most versatile players of his era, providing a spark for the Steelers when they were still searching for their first taste of sustained success.

Though the Steelers weren’t a championship-caliber team during his career, Mathews was a bright spot in Pittsburgh’s offense, delivering explosive plays and clutch performances. Whether it was racing past defensive backs for deep touchdowns, fighting for extra yards after the catch, or making defenders miss on punt returns, Mathews was a Swiss Army knife before the term became popular.

While Steelers legends like Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, and Hines Ward would come later, Mathews was one of Pittsburgh’s first great offensive weapons, paving the way for the franchise’s eventual rise to dominance.

The Numbers Behind Mathews’ Greatness

• Two-time Pro Bowler (1952, 1955)
• Led the Steelers in receiving yards for six seasons (1952-1957)
• One of the first great receivers in Steelers history
• Career Stats:
  • 230 receptions
  • 3,919 receiving yards
  • 34 receiving touchdowns
  • 1,057 rushing yards & 5 rushing touchdowns
  • 1,637 punt return yards & 2 punt return touchdowns
  • 7,015 total yards from scrimmage

Mathews' impact on the Steelers wasn’t just in receiving stats—he was also a dangerous ball carrier and special teams weapon, making plays whenever he had the ball in his hands.

From Clemson to Pittsburgh – The Rise of a Two-Way Threat

Before Mathews became a star for the Steelers, he was one of the most explosive players in college football.

• Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1929, Mathews grew up in an era where versatility was key, playing multiple positions in high school.
• He played college football at Clemson University, where he was a do-it-all playmaker for the Tigers, excelling as a runner, receiver, and defensive back.
• His success at Clemson caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting him in the 7th overall pick of the 1951 NFL Draft.

At just 22 years old, Mathews was stepping into a Steelers franchise that had never won a championship and was still trying to build an identity in the NFL.

The Steelers’ Early Playmaker – A Do-It-All Weapon

During the early 1950s, the Steelers were still a struggling franchise, but Mathews quickly became one of their most exciting players.

• As a rookie in 1951, he made an immediate impact, flashing his ability as a runner and receiver.
• By 1952, he transitioned to full-time receiver, leading the team in receiving yards while still contributing as a rusher and returner.
• In 1952 and 1955, he was named to the Pro Bowl, proving he was one of the best offensive weapons in football.
• Throughout the mid-1950s, Mathews was the go-to guy for the Steelers, helping to stretch defenses with his speed and playmaking ability.

Though the Steelers weren’t a championship team yet, Mathews' big-play ability made them competitive.

The Signature Moments of Ray Mathews’ Career

Throughout his career, Mathews was known for making the kinds of plays that could change a game.

• 1954 – 78-Yard Punt Return for a Touchdown: Showed off his elite vision and speed, taking a punt nearly the full length of the field for a score.
• 1955 – Career-High 9 Touchdowns: Became one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL, scoring nearly every way possible.
• Multiple 100-Yard Receiving Games: In an era when passing wasn’t as common, Mathews’ ability to put up big numbers as a receiver was rare.

For most of the 1950s, if the Steelers needed a big play, the ball was going to Mathews.

A Lasting Legacy – One of Pittsburgh’s First Playmakers

Mathews finished his NFL career in 1960 after spending his final two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, but his impact on the Steelers franchise was already cemented.

• When he retired, he was among the franchise leaders in nearly every major receiving category.
• His versatility as a receiver, rusher, and returner made him one of the most complete offensive players in Steelers history.
• He helped lay the groundwork for future Steelers receivers, proving that a dominant playmaker could thrive in Pittsburgh.

Though the Steelers’ championship success wouldn’t come until the 1970s, players like Mathews helped build the team’s reputation as a tough, gritty, and playmaking franchise.

Defining Moments of Mathews’ Career

• 1951 – NFL Debut: Becomes one of the Steelers’ first true playmakers.
• 1952 – First Pro Bowl Season: Establishes himself as a premier receiver and all-purpose player.
• 1955 – Career Year: Posts nine total touchdowns and earns another Pro Bowl selection.
• 1959 – Joins the Dallas Cowboys: Finishes his career with a brief stint in Dallas.
• 1960 – Retires as a Steelers Legend: Leaves behind a legacy as one of the team’s all-time greats.

The Most Iconic Ray Mathews Football Cards

For collectors, Mathews’ cards are valuable pieces of early Steelers history.

• 1955 Bowman #73 Ray Mathews – One of his most sought-after early career cards.
• 1957 Topps #85 Ray Mathews – A classic card from his peak years in Pittsburgh.
• 1959 Topps #109 Ray Mathews – Captures Mathews near the end of his Steelers career.

These cards represent a Steelers legend whose contributions helped shape the franchise.

A Legacy That Paved the Way for Steelers Greatness

Though Mathews played in an era before the Steelers’ Super Bowl dominance, his contributions were critical in laying the foundation for future success.

• He was one of the Steelers’ first elite offensive weapons, proving that a passing game could thrive in Pittsburgh.
• His versatility as a receiver, rusher, and returner made him one of the most dynamic players of the 1950s.
• He set the stage for future Steelers stars like John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, and Hines Ward, who carried on his legacy of clutch receiving and playmaking.

Mathews may not have played during the Super Bowl years, but his name belongs among the Steelers’ all-time greats.

A Steelers Pioneer, A Dynamic Playmaker, and One of the Most Versatile Players of His Era.