Gridiron Legacy: The Harry Mattos Chronicle
An academic exploration of a versatile American football player's career across multiple leagues and eras.
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Biographical Overview
Personal Details
Harry Raymond Mattos, widely known by his nicknames "the Horse" and "the Toe," was a prominent figure in early American professional football. Born on April 7, 1911, in Oakland, California, Mattos passed away on February 5, 1992, in San Jose, California, at the age of 80.
Physical Attributes
Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters) and weighing 198 pounds (90 kg), Mattos possessed a physique well-suited for the demands of the game during his era. His physical presence was a notable aspect of his playing style.
Versatile Positions
Mattos demonstrated considerable versatility on the field, playing multiple key positions. He was primarily recognized as a halfback, but his skills also extended to quarterback and kicker, making him a valuable asset to any team's strategy and execution.
Collegiate Foundation
St. Mary's College
Mattos honed his football skills at St. Mary's College of California. During his collegiate career, he showcased his passing ability, notably throwing two touchdown passes in a significant 14–9 victory against Fordham University in 1934.[1] This performance highlighted his potential for collegiate and professional success.
Professional Career Trajectory
Hollywood Braves (1935)
Following his graduation in 1935, Mattos began his professional journey with the Hollywood Braves in the American Legion League. Primarily utilized as a passer, he threw two touchdowns in three games before a fractured leg prematurely concluded his season. This early setback underscored the physical challenges inherent in professional sports.
Green Bay Packers & Cleveland Rams (1936)
Mattos initially signed with the Green Bay Packers for the 1936 season. However, due to the team's established depth at the halfback position, he was released early. Subsequently, he joined the Cleveland Rams, who were then part of the second American Football League (AFL). In Cleveland, Mattos excelled as a running back, wide receiver, and kicker, leading the league in scoring and earning the moniker "The Toe." He also recorded two touchdown receptions that season, contributing to the Rams' second-place finish in the league.
League Transitions and Cincinnati Bengals (1937)
The Cleveland Rams transitioned into the National Football League (NFL). Notably, only four players, including Mattos, made the move to the newly formed NFL franchise, signifying a significant shift in the team's structure and personnel. However, Mattos later rejoined the AFL mid-season, finishing the year with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he primarily served as a passer. The AFL ceased operations following this season.
New York Giants Organization & Jersey City Giants (1938-1940)
Mattos signed with the New York Giants but was waived before the season commenced. Giants founder Tim Mara redirected him to the team's new farm club, the Jersey City Giants, in the American Association (AA). There, he formed a formidable backfield partnership with Ken Strong, leading the Giants to an AA title. Mattos led the league in touchdown passes and was a strong contender for MVP, though he narrowly missed an all-star selection.[7]
Role Shifts and AA Recognition (1939-1941)
In 1939, Mattos returned to Jersey City, shifting his focus primarily to a running back role. His performance earned him a spot on the league's second all-star team. By 1940, with a surplus of running backs, Mattos transitioned back to a passing role. In 1941, playing for the Paterson Panthers (after a mid-season trade), he led the American Association in completions and passing yardage, securing a first-team all-league selection. The AA's closure due to World War II manpower shortages ended this chapter.
Wartime Comeback: Hollywood Wolves (1944)
Despite a hiatus since 1941, Mattos resurfaced in 1944 with the Hollywood Wolves of the Pacific Coast Football League (PCFL). At 33 years old, he demonstrated his enduring skill by leading the team in passing and earning first-team All-PCFL honors, even though the Wolves struggled to secure a victory during that wartime season.
Career Accolades
Key Distinctions
Throughout his varied career, Harry Mattos received several notable recognitions:
- NFL Champion: Achieved in 1936 with the Green Bay Packers.
- First-team All-PCFL: Recognized for his performance in 1944 with the Hollywood Wolves.
- First-team All-AA: Acknowledged for his contributions in the American Association.
- Second-team All-AA: Awarded for his play in the American Association in 1939.
References
Source Citations
The information presented in this chronicle is derived from the following sources:
- ^ "Sport: Football, Oct. 29, 1934". Time. October 29, 1934.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "St. Louis Rams: Fighting and Winning Since 1936". Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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Important Notice
This document has been generated by an AI and is intended for academic and informational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data, meticulously processed to align with scholarly standards. However, it is not a substitute for primary source analysis or professional sports historical consultation.
This is not professional sports advice or historical endorsement. The information provided herein should not be used as the sole basis for making judgments about athletic careers or historical events. Always consult original sources and expert analyses for comprehensive understanding. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions, nor for any actions taken based on the information presented.