Northern Colorado Athletics Mourns Loss of Former Running Back Great

Nov. 2, 2006

GREELEY, Colo. - The University of Northern Colorado Department of Athletics mourns the loss of former Bears running back Adam Matthews, who died early this morning at his home at the age of 25.

"Adam was such a tenacious runner," said Northern Colorado Faculty Athletics Representative Bob Heiny, who knew Matthews in his days as a Bear. "He was a great player and an even better person. Everyone loved being around him. It is sad this happened to such a great, young person."

Bears running backs coach Keith Grable, who coached Matthews from 2000-03, was shocked and saddened when he heard the news.

"This is a terrible, terrible tragedy," Grable said. "I feel sad for his family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him because he touched a lot of hearts. He was a great person who always had fun and loved the game. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Matthews is No. 2 on the all-time Northern Colorado career rushing list with 3,325 yards and holds the record for most rushing yards in a season (1,653 in 2003) and rushing yards in a game (279 vs. Adams State in 2003). He is also No. 3 for career all-purpose yards with 4,104 yards and ranks fourth for career touchdowns with 37. In 2003, both Matthews and former wide receiver Vincent Jackson set the Northern Colorado record for touchdowns in a season with 21 each.

The two-time All-American tied an NCAA record in 2003 with 11 straight 100+ yard rushing games en route to finishing his career with 19 games with 100+ yards rushing. Following his college career, Matthews spent time with the NFL's St. Louis Rams and Houston Texans and the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe.

Matthews was born Oct. 3, 1981, in Boulder and is the son of Bo and Barbara Matthews. His father, Bo, played in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers, New York Giants and Miami Dolphins and starred in college for the University of Colorado. His brother, Asa, is currently a junior linebacker for Northern Colorado and is second on the team in total tackles.