Alexander Mattison Bio
Alexander Mattison (born June 19, 1998) is an American professional football running back. He currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Mattison played college football for the Boise State Broncos and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a versatile back who can contribute as both a starter and a dependable backup.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Mattison was born on June 19, 1998, in San Bernardino, California. He grew up in his hometown and attended San Bernardino High School, where he starred on the football field. Mattison rushed for more than 2,000 yards in each of his final two high school seasons. As a junior, he gained 2,017 yards and scored 26 touchdowns, and as a senior, he produced 2,057 yards and 22 touchdowns. Following his senior season, he was selected to play in the Inland Valley Football Classic.
In addition to football, Mattison was a multi-sport athlete who competed in track and field and wrestling. As a senior, he won the Mountain Valley League title in the 110-meter hurdles, and his personal bests include 14.95 seconds in the 110m hurdles, 11.34 seconds in the 100 meters, 23.34 seconds in the 200 meters, 22 feet 9 inches in the long jump, and 46 feet 5.5 inches in the shot put. He also captured a league wrestling title at 195 pounds and earned all-league recognition as a junior.
After high school, Mattison committed to Boise State University to continue his football career. His success on the field and his dedication across multiple sports helped shape the work ethic that has followed him into the professional ranks.
Path to American Football
Mattison arrived at Boise State as a true freshman in 2016 and quickly adjusted to the college game, appearing in all 13 games and posting 328 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 67 carries. As a sophomore, he became a larger part of the offense, playing in all 14 games and rushing for 1,086 yards and 12 touchdowns on 212 carries. By his junior season in 2018, he had emerged as one of the top running backs in the Mountain West Conference.
During his 2018 junior campaign, Mattison rushed for 1,415 yards and 17 touchdowns on 302 carries in 13 games. He was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game after rushing for 200 yards and a touchdown. After the season, he chose to enter the 2019 NFL draft, citing the physical demands of the running back position and the uncertainty of how long a career in football can last. Notably, he did not miss a game during his college career, even while recovering from offseason surgeries on his shoulder and ankle.
Alexander Mattison Career
Early Career (2019-2020)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Mattison in the third round (102nd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut in the 2019 regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, recording nine carries for 49 yards in a 28-12 victory. In Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders, Mattison rushed 12 times for 58 yards and scored his first career rushing touchdown in a 34-14 win. He finished his rookie year with 462 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown while serving primarily as a backup to Dalvin Cook.
In the 2020 season, Mattison appeared in 13 games with two starts and totaled 96 carries for 434 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with 13 receptions for 125 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He earned a career highlight in a Week 5 Sunday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, when he posted 20 carries for 112 rushing yards as the Vikings lost narrowly 26-27, marking his first game with at least 100 rushing yards as a professional.
NFL Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Mattison continued to develop with the Vikings through the 2021 and 2022 seasons. In 2021, he appeared in 16 games with four starts, rushing for 491 yards and three touchdowns on 134 carries while adding 32 receptions for 228 yards and one receiving touchdown. In 2022, he played all 17 games and finished with 74 carries for 283 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 15 receptions for 91 yards and one receiving touchdown.
On March 17, 2023, Mattison signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Vikings. After Dalvin Cook’s departure in the offseason, Mattison earned the starting running back role. In 16 games with 13 starts during the 2023 season, he recorded 180 carries for 700 rushing yards and added 30 receptions for 192 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. His expanded role marked a breakthrough moment in his career as a featured back.
On March 4, 2024, Mattison was released by the Vikings after five seasons with the team.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024)
On March 18, 2024, Mattison signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He appeared in a key Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Rams, producing 123 all-purpose yards, including 92 rushing yards on 23 carries and 31 receiving yards on three catches, in a 20-15 loss. In Week 11, however, Mattison suffered an ankle injury in a 34-19 loss against the Miami Dolphins, causing him to miss games against the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished the 2024 season with 132 carries for 420 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 294 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Miami Dolphins Era (2025-Present)
On March 14, 2025, Mattison signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. His tenure with the team, however, was disrupted by a serious injury. On August 10, Mattison hurt his neck during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears and was taken to a hospital for season-ending surgery. The injury abruptly ended his 2025 campaign and required a lengthy recovery.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mattison is recognized for his balance, vision, and physicality between the tackles. At 5 feet 11 inches and 220 pounds, he combines a sturdy frame with the speed and quickness to attack the edge. He has shown versatility as both a runner and a pass catcher, and he has thrived in pass protection as a reliable blocker. His track and wrestling background have also contributed to his competitiveness and finishing power.
Notable Events and Milestones
Some of the most memorable moments of Mattison’s career include his Offensive MVP performance in the 2018 Mountain West Conference Championship Game and his first 100-yard rushing game against the Seattle Seahawks. He was also a first-team All-Mountain West selection in 2018 and signed a notable two-year, $7 million extension with the Vikings in 2023 before becoming a starter.
Alexander Mattison Career Stats
Through the 2024 season, Mattison has compiled 2,790 career rushing yards on 715 carries with 15 rushing touchdowns, along with 136 receptions for 1,012 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns. His most productive year as a starter came in 2023, when he set career highs in rushing yards (700) and rushing touchdowns (3) as a primary back.
NFL Highlights
Mattison’s NFL resume features steady production across multiple roles. As a rookie in 2019, he provided reliable depth behind Dalvin Cook and recorded his first career rushing touchdown. In 2023, he delivered his strongest season as a starter with the Vikings, reaching 700 rushing yards. In 2024 with the Raiders, he contributed 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns despite missing time with an ankle injury.
Other Wins and Performances
Before entering the NFL, Mattison earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2018 and was the Offensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West Conference Championship Game. He also captured a Mountain Valley League title in the 110m hurdles during high school and a league wrestling title at 195 pounds.
| Team | Years | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 2019-2023 | 2,370 | 11 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2024 | 420 | 4 |
Alexander Mattison Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available details about Alexander Mattison’s immediate family are limited. He was raised in San Bernardino, California, and built his athletic foundation there before leaving for Boise State.
Personal Life
Mattison is a Christian and is fluent in Spanish. His professional journey has taken him from San Bernardino to Boise, Idaho, and then to several NFL cities, including Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and Miami. He continues to recover from the neck injury sustained in August 2025.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a difficult chapter for Alexander Mattison. Shortly after signing a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on March 14, 2025, he suffered a neck injury during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears on August 10 and was transported to a hospital. He underwent season-ending surgery, and his official role with the Dolphins was cut short before the regular season began.
Mattison’s recovery has been the central storyline of his 2025 campaign. The Dolphins were forced to adjust their backfield plans after his injury, and Mattison focused on rehabilitation. His future with the team and in the NFL beyond 2025 will depend on his recovery progress and any subsequent contract decisions.
Looking ahead, Mattison will aim to return to full health and reestablish himself as a productive running back. His track record of durability, versatility, and production gives him a foundation to build upon once he is cleared to play.