Scott Matlock is making waves as a rising star for the Los Angeles Chargers. He is not only known for his toughness and strength during games but also for his inspiring path. In this season Matlock has recorded 22 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, and a pass deflection. But that’s not all—he also operated as a fullback on offense, contributing 3 receptions for 18 yards and averaging 6.0 yards per catch.

While his stats look like this, he has come a long way from his unfortunate childhood. He made it to the NFL with the help of his brother Steven Matlock and with the memories of his late parents Doug and Lisa Matlock, whose tragic passing fueled Scott’s determination.

Who are Doug and Lisa Matlock?

Doug and Lisa Matlock were the backbone of Scott’s early life. Growing up in Homedale, Idaho, a small, tight-knit town where football is a hobby for all, Scott’s childhood was filled with love and support just like ours. But when he was just 9 years old, Scott’s everyday life was shattered when his father, Doug, passed away after battling testicular cancer. Doug must have been a good parent to Scott. He must have encouraged his football dreams and taught him the value of the grid. ‘You know, losing a parent and the feeling couldn’t be expressed in words, it just that be with them and be happy with them.’

As if losing his father wasn’t enough, life gave another hard blow to Scott, when he lost his mother, Lisa, about 5 years later. Lisa passed away from heart disease, leaving Scott and his brother without both parents before they even reached high school. His coach at Homedale High, Matt Holtry, described Scott as a kid who refused to let his situation break him: “Scott is the kid you root for… He didn’t let his circumstances define him.” Just by reading that line, you must have gotten an idea of how determined Scott can be.

Scott’s situation became even more challenging when he had no one to care for him. He entered the foster care system and eventually found a home with Mike and Donna Marose of Homedale, Idaho. The Marose family gave Scott everything he needed during such a difficult time. One confirmed fact is that, by the end of his first year of high school, Scott formally asked Mike and Donna to adopt him into the family. The words most foster parents love to hear.

Creation of foster care awareness

After the passing of his parents, it was not an easy road for him, but it shaped him into the person he is today. His parents gave Scott the foundation he needed and the Marose family gave him the support he needed during those uncertain years. Which gave him the stability to chase his football dreams. Now, as an NFL player, Scott has not forgotten where he came from and he’s using his NFL career as a platform to give back what he received to others.

During a Chargers game against the Dallas Cowboys, Scott wore custom cleats to highlight Idaho’s One Church One Child initiative, a program that supports foster care families. While many wear custom cleats to the game, to promote their brand or to spread awareness.

This moment of Scott is to spread awareness. His decision to shift the focus on foster care wasn’t just for show. It was a nod to all the families and support systems that stepped up for kids who have lost so much. Scott said, “I’m in a position where I can use my platform, as far as you know, the NFL and in my success to potentially help you know others, and that alone is enough for me“.