“I’m so thankful I had to face that adversity because it made me who I am today, and it made Scott who he is today.” These are some strong words from a son who grew up without his parents while taking care of his little brother. And if you haven’t heard of that little brother, you’re about to. Standing at 6’4” and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Scott Matlock has been making his name as a beast on the field.

After an impeccable career at Boise State, the Los Angeles Chargers drafted the young defensive end in the 2023 NFL draft. But here’s the thing that really sets Matlock apart. It’s his story! It’s not just his physicality that’s turning heads, but his work ethic and the heart that developed from overcoming some of the toughest challenges. However, the young DE has someone’s back to face such challenges.

Who is Steven Matlock?

Now, if you’re wondering where Scott gets this drive from, you don’t need to look far. Enter Steven Matlock, Scott’s older brother and one of his biggest influences. The Matlock brothers grew together and Steven has been a huge part of Scott’s journey, not just as an elder brother but as a role model as well. “

Although Steven played offensive line at the University of Idaho, he had to step into a more grown-up role for Scott after a family tragedy. When the Matlock brothers lost their father to cancer and their mother to heart disease, Steven took on more responsibility than any teenager could handle. Along with his college and football career, he was raising Scott, who was just 14 back then.

“It was us against the world,” Scott said after their parents’ demise. “With all we’ve been through, we’re mentally tough. We’re always swinging and never out of the fight.” Although there’s no doubt that Steven did a fine job raising Scott, he still says that he was far from perfect.

Fast forward to now, the elder Matlock’s transition to life has taken a surprising turn. In line with athletic roots, Steven dove into bodybuilding, dropped 70 pounds, and shredded down to about 8% body fat. If that doesn’t tell you how serious he is about discipline, I don’t know what does. Today, Steven is married to his girlfriend, Melissa, and lives with her and his little brother together.

How did Scott Matlock bond with his elder brother after family tragedy?

Here’s where the story goes deep. The bond that Scott Matlock shares with his Steven wasn’t always easy, especially after losing both the parents. The family lost their father, Doug, to testicular cancer when Scott was just 9. And just a few years to add, Scott found his mother, Lisa, lying lifeless on the couch, which is something no kid should ever have to experience. Scott was 14 at that time.

At this point, Steven was a freshman in his college and Scott was forced into foster care. With that in destiny, Steven couldn’t be there for his little brother. And honestly, during those years, Steven had to grow up quickly for Scott. “I definitely look up to him and all that he was able to accomplish in school, football and life while taking care of me,” Scott said. “He was a good example and a great role model.”

And as you can imagine, it wasn’t easy for the brothers. It wasn’t until Scott grew older, that their relationship evolved. And he moved in with his brother and his wife in 2022. “It has been the best year of my life,” Steven said after reuniting with his brother. “It’s been a true blessing to be able to reconnect in a way we hadn’t in years, and it’s surreal to see everything happening in such a positive way for him.”

Facing toughest challenges at a young age, had to live in a foster care, and most importantly, with his brother’s back, Scott Matlock has come a long way. And now, the 24-year-old DE is out there as a beast on the field for the Chargers, showing his full potential while his brother always remains there to cheer for him.