Former All-Pro corner back and current Detroit Lions veteran Rashean Mathis announced his retirement Tuesday morning. The 13 year veteran announced in his hometown of Jacksonville with Lions reporter Tori Petri, This announcement comes after a shortened 2015 contest due to a lingering brain injury. Because of the injury, his season was shortened to only seven games. In his last full season with Detroit (2014), he was second in tackles among Lions corners with 45, forcing 3 turnovers as well (Two FF, One INT).
Plagued by injury in his final years in Jacksonville, Mathis looked for a fresh start when he signed with the Lions in 2013. Mathis was able to provide some much needed depth at the CB position. His ability to play solid man coverage in a 4-3 defense allowed for other areas in the defense to improve. This contributed to the Lions fielding the second best total defense in 2014. While Mathis was at corner (2013-2015), the Lions defense saw an average total defense ranking of 12th in the league. Detroit featured a secondary that consistently found itself ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of passer rating, YPG, and TD’s; A major improvement to the 2000s Lions teams that frequently featured the one of the worst secondaries in the league.
Mathis leaves Detroit in good hands. The secondary now features a Pro Bowler in Glover Quin Jr., a feat that has been relatively new to the Lions secondary. Also in the Lions secondary is the fan favorite Darius Slay, who has a breakout season this past year.
Mathis had his best year in 2006 with Jacksonville where he accumulated 8 INTs and 56 tackles. That was good enough for a Pro Bowl selection. Mathis is retiring as #5 on the active all time career INT list with 32. He retires as Jacksonville’s all-time leader in INTs.
Mathis lives currently in Jacksonville, Florida where he is married to Ebony Davis.
