Bill Mathis

Bill Mathis (December 10, 1938 – October 20, 2020) was an American professional football player who played running back for the New York Titans/Jets in the American Football League. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers, where he also competed in track and field. Mathis began his professional career with the Titans and spent his entire career with the New York franchise, remaining as the team was renamed the Jets.

In 1961 he led the AFL in carries and was selected by his peers to the Sporting News 1961 AFL All-League team. He was an AFL Eastern Division All-Star in 1961 and 1963. His durability was notable: he broke a collarbone in the third game of 1961, against the Boston Patriots, yet played in the following game and every remaining game of that season. That persistence helped him earn a roster spot year after year.

Mathis was a member of the 1968 world champion Jets, who defeated the NFL champion Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, making him one of four Titans who stayed with the franchise to play in and win a Super Bowl. He played one additional season in 1969 before retiring. Mathis was one of 20 players who were in the AFL for its entire 10-year existence.