Jim Matheny

James Charles Matheny (born February 16, 1936) is an American former professional football center who played one season with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the 20th round of the 1958 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of California, Los Angeles. Matheny was also a member of the Houston Oilers of the American Football League (AFL).

Jim Matheny

No. 43, 52[1]
Date of birth	(1936-02-16) February 16, 1936 (age 89)
Place of birth	Long Beach, California, U.S.
Career information
CFL status	International
Position(s)	C
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	228 lb (103 kg)
US college	UCLA
High school	Pasadena (Pasadena, California)
NFL draft	1958 / round: 20 / pick: 231
Drafted by	Chicago Cardinals
Career history
As player
1957	Toronto Argonauts
1958–1959	Chicago Cardinals*
1960	Houston Oilers*
*Offseason or practice roster only
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-American (1956) First-team All-PCC (1956)

Early life

James Charles Matheny was born on February 16, 1936, in Long Beach, California.^[1] He attended Pasadena High School in Pasadena, California.^[1]

College career

Matheny played college football for the UCLA Bruins. He was on the freshman team in 1954 and a two-year letterman from 1955 to 1956.^[1] He averaged over 45 minutes a game his senior year in 1956. He earned second-team All-America and first-team All-Pacific Coast honors as well as being named Most Valuable Player by his teammates.^[2]

Professional career

Matheny played in 12 games for the Toronto Argonauts in 1957.^[3]

Matheny was selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the 20th round, with the 231st overall pick, of the 1958 NFL draft.^[4] He signed with the Cardinals in 1958 but was released later that year.^[5] He signed with the Cardinals again in 1959 but was also released.^[5]

Matheny signed with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League on February 1, 1960.^[5] He was released on July 22, 1960, after leaving the team.^[5]