Kick/Punt Returns AFC KR Yds Avg Lng TD PR Yds Avg Lng TD J. Mathis 4 109 27.3 54 0 1 12 12.0 12 0 Not a bad line for our rookie return man!
HONOLULU – It was the biggest high school rematch since Jerry faced off against Duncan in one of the more memorable episodes of “Seinfeld.” The affections of Lois weren’t at stake at the Ihilani Resort, but something far greater -- the title of NFL’s Fastest Man. And as everybody predicted, this race came down to two guys that have a little history running side by side. Texans kick returner Jerome Mathis grew up in Peterburg, Va., while Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall grew up in Chesapeake, about 80 miles southeast. The two frequently squared off against one another in Virginia high school track meets. Mathis always won. And he thought he won today. But referee Gerry Austin thought otherwise after consulting (yes) instant replay, awarding the final heat to Hall by the slimmest of margins (). Thus, for the second consecutive year at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge, a Texan finished second to a Falcon in the race. In 2005, kick returner Allen Rossum edged wide receiver Andre Johnson. Replay was necessary for the photo finish. After watching ESPN’s monitor, Austin determined that Hall’s head crossed the line just ahead of Mathis. Mathis conceded that but also argued that, in track, it’s all about the torso. “When you get to the finish line it’s pretty much torso – whoever’s torso crosses the line first,” Mathis said. “His head was in front of mine but he’s a good person and we’re out here competing. It’s a little disappointing but at the same time we’re out here to have fun.” Mathis added to his fun by entering the obstacle course event as a last-second replacement for Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris. Mathis almost won that event as well, but a dropped pass resulted in a five-second penalty and he ended up finishing three seconds behind Colts linebacker Cato June. If anything, today’s events showed the fans in attendance (and a national television audience) what Texans fans have known since training camp. Few athletes in any team sport are as fast as Mathis, from head to torso to toe. And he’ll get a chance to show even more people Sunday.
He would have won the fastest man if he wasn't wearin a hat (added to the drag) which flew off halfway through the race...and i think he hesitated a little.
I missed it.... How long is this race? 40 yards? If it was 50+ yards, Michael Lewis (Saints) would smoke them both. Not very agile, ok acceleration, but amazing top speed.
McClain was just on 610 and said that when they went to take the team Pro Bowl picture that Mathis was the only one not there. They had to send people up to bang on his hotel room and eventually he came out and took the picture. Sounds like he had a good time in Hawaii.
he had a chance at the game winning td grab on a hail mary at the end of the game. probably got more reps at wr in the probowl than he did all season for us. god i'm glad that capers is gone.
