Episode 51 – Garrett Boorojian and Terance Mathis discuss relationship building in a team environment.
Terance’s relationship with his family, especially his late mother, and the relationships he forged during his football playing days and post–NFL career, make Terance an elite relationship builder admired by so many of his peers, friends, and fans in the state of Georgia, across the country, and around the world.
A native of the state of Georgia, Terance went to college out of state and played for the University of New Mexico Lobos where he was named Third–team All–American in 1987 and Consensus All–American in 1989. Terance went on to have a very successful career in the National Football League, where he played for the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As a Falcon, Terance was selected to play in the 1994 Pro Bowl (and was Second–team All–Pro that year) and a few years later played in Super Bowl 33 on January 31, 1999. In this historic game, against future Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Steve Atwater and their Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, Terance caught the first touchdown pass in Atlanta Falcons’ Super Bowl history (a 3–yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Chris Chandler).
Terance finished his notable NFL career with 689 receptions, 8,809 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per catch, and 63 receiving touchdowns in 206 career games (130 career starts). He had three 1000–yard seasons – and his longest receiving touchdown was 81 yards. Terance had 11 touchdown catches in two of those 1000–yard seasons (1994 and 1998). In 1994, he had 111 receptions, and in 1998, he averaged 17.8 yards per catch. Terance is tied for second in NFL history with six successful two–point conversion catches.
Terance’s three most memorable games, according to Terance:
1) As a New York Jet (1990) – Returning a 98–yard punt return for a touchdown, which is tied for fourth in NFL history for longest punt return touchdown. The Jets won the game, 24–9, in Week 9.
2) As an Atlanta Falcon (1995) – Catching a 37–yard touchdown, which allowed the Falcons to take the lead and beat the San Francisco 49ers 28–27 in Week 17. The Falcons completed their 9–7 regular season with a win against the 49ers to get into the playoffs.
3) As an Atlanta Falcon (1998) – Catching a 16–yard touchdown, which allowed the Falcons to force and win in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game.
Terance previously coached at Savannah State University, Pinecrest Academy (Georgia), Blessed Trinity High School (Georgia), and Fellowship Christian School (Georgia). He’s currently the head coach at Morehouse College.
As a College Football Hall of Famer, New Mexico Sports Hall of Famer, Georgia Sports Hall of Famer, former collegiate and professional football player, former high school and current college football coach, philanthropist, husband, father, friend, and man of strong faith, Terance Mathis has proven time and time again why he’s an elite relationship builder in a team environment.