Patrick ‘Pat’ William Matson, a Laramie, Wyoming native and former AFL and NFL offensive guard, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the age of 81.
According to his family member, Pat Matson passed away peacefully in Cape Coral, Florida, surrounded by his family.
Furthermore, the death of beloved former professional football star Pat Matson has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time and paying tribute to Pat Matson.
Born on July 22, 1944, in Laramie, Wyoming, United States, to parents Morris and Marjorie Matson, Pat began his athletic journey from a very young age.
While growing up in Colorado, Pat attended Lakewood High School, where he excelled in football before playing college football at the University of Oregon, from which he lettered from 1963 to 1965.
Despite going undrafted in 1966, Pat made history as “the first local boy to ever play with the Denver Broncos,” joining the team in 1967 and appearing in 28 games over two seasons, starting 16.
Pat Matson was drafted By the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL in 1968
After a remarkable two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Pat Matson was drafted to the Cincinnati Bengals in the team’s inaugural season in 1968, where he became a key figure on the offensive line.
Over seven seasons with the Bengals (1968-1974), he played 90 games, starting 77, and achieved a career Approximate Value (AV) of 42 during his time with the team.
Pat’s tenure with the Bengals was marked by memorable moments, including facing legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas in a playoff game against the Baltimore Colts in 1970.
That same year, the Bengals transitioned from the AFL to the NFL under the legendary coach Paul Brown.
Similarly, Pat filled the critical ‘messenger guard’ role Brown created, delivering game plans to the team on the field, and earning admiration for his professionalism and courage.
Off the field, he ran a gym during the offseason to supplement his income and provided a place for teammates to train and build camaraderie outside of football.
Pat concluded his professional career with the Green Bay Packers in 1975 after being traded, having played 132 games, made 99 starts, and achieved a career AV of 51.
Breakdown of his career includes 28 games and 16 starts with Denver, 90 games and 77 starts with Cincinnati, and 14 games and 6 starts with Green Bay.
Later in life, Pat resided at Aspen Trace, a CarDon & Associates senior living community in Greenwood, Indiana, where he received care for injuries sustained over his football career and multiple surgeries.
Patrick ‘Pat’ William Matson is survived by his two daughters, Shannon Matson McKee and Jamie Matson Leary, four cherished grandsons, Patrick, Taylor, Mitchell, and Liam, three great-grandchildren, Harper, Hayden, and Rowan, and the whole family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Pat demonstrated remarkable leadership. In 1974, during a 44-day players’ strike advocating for better pay, disability insurance, injury protection, and widows’ benefits, his teammates elected him as their representative.
- His daughter, Shannon McKee, works at Indiana University School of Nursing.
- Pat Matson’s family has yet to provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
- He worked at Kearny Mesa Toyota and lived in Indianapolis, Indiana.
