Rashean Jamil Mathis is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats, and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft. He also played for the Detroit Lions. Mathis is regarded as one of the best defensive players in Jaguars history.
Mathis with the Jaguars in 2009
Mathis with the Lions in 2014.
The 2003 NFL draft was the procedure by which National Football League (NFL) teams selected amateur college football players. The draft is known officially as the "NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting" and has been conducted annually since 1936. The draft was held April 26–27, 2003 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and before the regular season.
First overall pick Carson Palmer found early success as the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals before conflicts with team ownership. He was then traded to the Oakland Raiders before finishing his career strong with the Arizona Cardinals.
Wide receiver Andre Johnson was one of the first offensive superstars for the newly formed Houston Texans.
Troy Polamalu was the highest-picked safety in the draft and won two Super Bowls including multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Terrell Suggs was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens and went on to win the 2011 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award and Super Bowl XLVII.