DJ Matthews Doubted He’d Ever to Step on the Field Again. He Did and Gives “All Glory to God”

Written by: @zachegreene

After suffering a brutal season-ending injury last season, Indiana wide receiver DJ Matthews proved to himself, and to the IU fans, that he is still that guy.

“This is the first season opener that I have ever won. Coming back from the injury I didn’t really think much about my ACL. I give all glory to God. I’m grateful that I’m even in this situation. Being able to come back and play football again. I thank Coach Allen for just believing in me. Always having confidence in me.”  Matthews said after the game.

Even when Matthews did not have confidence in himself, Coach Allen believed in him.

Matthews has been through a lot this past year and after suffering his first major injury he doubted that he would even be able to take the field again. Now it has made him an even better player.

“It was valid when I decided to come back in May.” Matthews explained. I talked to Coach Allen. We just kept meeting and meeting. I knew from there on that I wasn’t going anywhere. I love football. I love this sport. I love the game. Dealing with a major injury. Sometimes you don’t know how to deal with it. It can affect you mentally. That’s where I was at being later in my career.”

Matthews’ mentality has changed and sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you can become a better faster smarter player.  

During his 52-yard touchdown catch, he was actually supposed to come back on curl route, but he read that the defense of the Illini was in a heavy split cover two coverage which leads the down middle of the field vulnerable. Once he read it, he turned on the jets and the rest was history.

“I was actually supposed to go across the field, but I kept going straight as the safeties were very split and playing high cover two. They just got out so far.  Bazelak had a clean pocket. He executed and passed me the ball perfectly.” Matthews said.

It is one of the best feelings in the world to have run straight down the field and then look up and see a perfect spiral go right into your hands.

“It’s a wonderful feeling. Me and Connor connected on that play so much in the off-season. When they called it, I told the whole offensive line that we about to go sit down. It’s just a confidence thing. Not being cocky. It’s just being very confident. It’s something we worked on a lot.” Matthews said after the game.

DJ Matthews is an inspiring player who doubted himself that he would ever be put in the situation again. He strapped up the pads, put his best foot forward and it paid off. This is only the start for the young man who gives “all glory to God”. He finished the night with seven catches and 109 yards.