Adam Matthews, a former star running back at Northern Colorado who ranks second on the school’s all-time rushing list, died Thursday. He was 25.
Matthews was at his home in Thornton, and his death is being investigated by the Adams County corner’s office. Foul play is not suspected, and the Thornton police are not involved in the investigation.
Matthews, a son of former NFL running back Bo Matthews, held the record for most yards rushing in a season (1,653 in 2003) and yards rushing in a game (279 against Adams State in 2003). He tied an NCAA record in 2003 with 11 consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
He had 3,325 career rushing yards at UNC.
“This is a terrible, terrible tragedy,” said UNC running backs coach Keith Grable, who coached Matthews from 2000-03. “I feel sad for his family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him because he touched a lot of hearts.”
After college, Matthews spent time with the St. Louis Rams and Houston Texans, although he never played in a regular-season game. He also played for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe.
Matthews’ brother, Asa, is a junior linebacker at UNC, which plays Saturday at Montana State.
Bo Matthews starred at Colorado from 1971-73 and played in the NFL for Miami, San Diego and the New York Giants.
