In the NFL, certain players stood out not only for their athletic prowess but also for their groundbreaking contributions to the team’s legacy. Alvin Leon Matthews was one such name in the early 1970s for the Green Bay Packers. Matthews fortified the Packers’ defensive backfield and played a huge role in anchoring the team’s secondary. He was more than a formidable presence on the field during his NFL career, and there’s no doubt about that.

However, on Wednesday, the Packers announced the shocking news that AL Matthews has passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 77. “Former Packers DB Al Matthews has passed away at 77. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the team shared the news through their social media handle.

Drafted by the Packers in the 1970 NFL draft, Matthews spent his first six seasons in Green Bay. In his rookie year, AL played occasionally before starting 10 games in 1971 at right cornerback. After his second season, he was the key starter of the team from 1972 to 1975 while sharing the field with his teammates, including linebacker Jim Carter and cornerback Ken Ellis.

Speaking of which, when Ellis was asked to name the most underrated player in defense that ranked second in the league, he named Matthew without any hesitation. “I don’t think he got the kind of recognition from the media and what have you that he deserved,” he said about Matthews back in 2016. “He wasn’t a big strong safety, but he’d hit you. He’d knock your head off. He was tough.”

Besides, when Matthews was asked about his memories with his first NFL team, the Packers’ legend remembered that great secondary he was a part of in 1972. “It was a great football team,” he said in an interview in 2006. “The four guys, we just kind of meshed together. It was a great secondary. … One of the biggest things was Don Doll. Don was the secondary coach, just a great guy to play for. A lot of it was the respect we had for Don and all the things we did with him.”

After playing for six seasons with the Packers, Matthews was also a part of the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. Beyond his on-field achievement in the NFL, AL Matthews etched his name in history as the first Black coach in the University of Texas’ athletics program. He served as an assistant on Darrell Royal’s staff during the early 1970s. He joined Royal’s staff while still playing with the Packers in the NFL.

Prior to serving on Royal’s staff, Matthews coached the Longhorns for nearly two decades. Under his helm, the Longhorns had 167 wins with just 47 losses including three national championships and 11 Southwest Conference titles with Texas. For his contributions, the former Texans assistant was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1985 by the Texas A&M-Kingsville program.

When the news of his demise made the headlines, the Longhorns’ fans mourned the passing of a prominent figure.

1947-2025: The fans paid tribute to AL Matthews

From being a coach of the Texas Longhorns for nearly two decades to inducted his name in the College Football Hall of Fame, AL Matthews left a legacy in the American football history. Whether as a CB for the Packers or while coaching the Texas Longhorns, Matthews’ contributions extended beyond the gridiron. As the news of his demise spread, an outpouring of tributes flooded in from the fans, especially from the Longhorns.

One heartfelt tribute referred to him as,“Longhorn Legend and Trailblazer,” while sending prayers to his family and friends. It’s clear to see how the fans are emphasizing his groundbreaking role as the first Black coach in the University of Texas athletics program. Others kept their tributes simple yet powerful, recognizing Matthews for what he truly was.

One fan wrote, “RIP Coach Al Matthews 🙏🏾,” while messages like, “RIP Coach Al Matthews” and “RIP to a Texas legend” echoed throughout social media, a testament to a deep respect and admiration he earned throughout his career. Because honestly, for many fans, his contributions weren’t just about wins and championships. It’s about the way he led his teams to the success.

As fans paid their final respects, it’s certain that one sentiment remained clear—Matthews was more than just a coach or a player. Besides a player, the Packers’ legend was a leader, a mentor, and a figure who helped shape the culture of Texas football. “R.I.P. Al Matthews 1947-2025” was more than just a farewell; it was an acknowledgment that his legacy will inspire not just the longhorns but the whole NFL fanbase.