Bob Matheson
Encyclopedia
Robert Matheson was a linebacker
who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League
. He played in two Super Bowls for the Miami Dolphins
.
A standout linebacker at Duke
, he was drafted in 1967 by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the NFL Draft, which was the final year in which the NFL and the AFL held separate drafts. He was then acquired by the Dolphins prior to the 1971 season, after Miami defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger
requested head coach Don Shula
to do so.
He was a member of the 1972 undefeated team for the Dolphins
.
Matheson was often used by the Dolphins as a fourth linebacker in passing situations. This defensive alignment was often referred to as the "53" defense, named for Matheson's #53 jersey number. This is also referred to as a "34 defense" based on there being 3 linemen and 4 linebackers.
After leaving the Dolphins in 1979, Matheson returned to Duke as an assistant coach.
Matheson died on September 5, 1994 at Duke University Hospital
from complications due to Hodgkin's disease.
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He played in two Super Bowls for the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
A standout linebacker at Duke
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
, he was drafted in 1967 by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the NFL Draft, which was the final year in which the NFL and the AFL held separate drafts. He was then acquired by the Dolphins prior to the 1971 season, after Miami defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger
Bill Arnsparger
William Stephen "Bill" Arnsparger is a former American college and professional football coach.- Early years :Arnsparger was born in Paris, Kentucky in 1926. He attended Paris High School, and became connected with the school's longtime football and basketball coach, Blanton Collier...
requested head coach Don Shula
Don Shula
Donald Francis "Don" Shula is a former American football cornerback and coach.He is best known as coach of the Miami Dolphins, the team he led to two Super Bowl victories, and to the National Football League's only perfect season. Shula was named 1993 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated....
to do so.
He was a member of the 1972 undefeated team for the Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Matheson was often used by the Dolphins as a fourth linebacker in passing situations. This defensive alignment was often referred to as the "53" defense, named for Matheson's #53 jersey number. This is also referred to as a "34 defense" based on there being 3 linemen and 4 linebackers.
After leaving the Dolphins in 1979, Matheson returned to Duke as an assistant coach.
Matheson died on September 5, 1994 at Duke University Hospital
Duke University Health System
The Duke University Health System, combines the Duke University School of Medicine, the Duke University School of Nursing, the Duke Clinic, and the member hospitals into a system of research, clinical care, and education.-Duke University Hospital:...
from complications due to Hodgkin's disease.