Back to search

Rags Matthews

End

Inducted 1971

Date of Birth

8/17/1905

Birthplace

Fort Worth, TX

School

Texas Christian University (1925-1927)

Bio

The Shrine East-West All-Star Game was in its third year, and for the first time players from the Southwest Conference were included. Of the four selected, one was Raymond "Rags" Matthews of Texas Christian. He was chosen following the 1927 season. And, when collegiate football celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1969, Matthews was named to the all-time All-Southwest Conference team. Matthews and his TCU teammates opened the nation's eyes to SWC football in the 1920s, paving the way for future stars like Sammy Baugh, Davey O'Brien and Ki Aldrich to garner the All-America laurels in later years. Matthews was a defensive terror, quick to react, and sound in his ability to track down and nail the ball carrier. Rags Matthews was voted Texas Christian's Most Valuable in both 1926 and 1927. In 1927, he was a first team All-America. Hall of Famer Matty Bell was his coach, and in Rags Matthews' three varsity years, the Texas Christian record was 17-5-5.