Matthew Colburn II Bio
Matthew Colburn II is an American professional football running back who has built a steady career across multiple professional leagues. He played college football at Wake Forest, where he set several records and earned recognition as one of the school’s most productive rushers. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams and went on to play in the XFL, The Spring League, the Canadian Football League, and the United States Football League. Colburn was named the USFL Sportsman of the Year in 2022. He continues his professional career with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Colburn II was born on July 27, 1997, and grew up in Irmo, South Carolina. He attended Dutch Fork High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the most productive running backs in the state. As a junior, he set school records with 2,448 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns. During his senior season, he added 1,705 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns and was honored as the 2014 South Carolina Mr. Football.
Colburn initially committed to Louisville, but the program withdrew his scholarship shortly before signing day. The setback forced him to reopen his recruitment, and he ultimately chose Wake Forest, declining offers from Marshall, Georgia Southern, and Furman. The move gave him a clear path to compete at the Atlantic Coast Conference level and shaped his development as a college back.
Path to Professional Football
Colburn arrived at Wake Forest and made an immediate contribution. In his debut against Elon, he ran for 38 yards on 12 carries and scored his first career touchdown. He led the team with 51 rushing yards against Florida State, signaling his readiness for top-level college competition.
As a sophomore, Colburn posted 626 rushing yards and produced back-to-back 100-yard games against Delaware and another opponent, becoming the first Wake Forest player with consecutive 100-yard rushing games since 2011. His junior year brought 904 rushing yards, including a 237-yard performance against Syracuse, and he earned a spot on the ESPN All-ACC Bowl team. As a senior, he added 759 rushing yards and five touchdowns, finishing sixth in team history with 2,528 career rushing yards. Against Louisville, the program that had pulled his scholarship, he ran for a career-high 243 yards and scored three touchdowns in a statement performance.
Matthew Colburn II Career
Early Career (2019)
After the 2019 NFL Draft concluded without a team selecting him, Matthew Colburn II signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason. On August 30, 2019, the Rams waived him at the final roster cuts, ending his first NFL camp.
The release did not end his professional career. Colburn continued to train and looked for opportunities in alternative professional leagues that had launched or were set to begin play. His persistence kept his football future open and led to a string of short-term deals across several spring and developmental leagues.
XFL and Spring League Stints (2020)
In 2020, Colburn joined the New York Guardians of the XFL, becoming part of the league’s inaugural season. He appeared in only two games before the league suspended operations, recording one rush attempt for six yards. The shortened season limited his chances to show his full skill set, but it kept him on a professional roster.
Later that year, he signed with the Blues of The Spring League, a developmental circuit designed to give players game experience and visibility. Colburn made the most of the opportunity, gaining almost 200 rushing yards across the second and third weeks of the schedule. His production with the Blues helped him catch the attention of Canadian Football League scouts.
Toronto Argonauts and Jacksonville Jaguars (2021–2022)
On February 15, 2021, Colburn signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, giving him his first opportunity in a major established league. He competed through training camp and the early part of the season before being released on July 20. The Canadian game offered a different schematic challenge, and the experience broadened his professional background.
Colburn received another NFL look when the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him on August 7, 2022. He spent roughly a week with the organization before being waived on August 15, 2022. Even though his time in Jacksonville was brief, the opportunity showed he remained on NFL teams’ radar.
Philadelphia Stars Era (2022–2023)
The Philadelphia Stars selected Colburn in the 28th round of the 2022 USFL Draft, giving him a steady role in the spring league. He made nine rush attempts for 14 yards in his debut and showed enough throughout the year to earn recognition beyond his on-field production. He was placed on injured reserve on June 29, 2022.
Colburn received the 2022 USFL Sportsman of the Year Award, an honor given to the player who best exhibits excellence on the field and leadership in the community. The award highlighted his professionalism and his impact off the field. He returned to the Stars for the 2023 season, was again placed on injured reserve on June 6, 2023, and later saw the Stars fold when the XFL and USFL merged to form the United Football League.
Michigan Panthers Era (2024–2025)
Colburn was selected by the Michigan Panthers during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft on January 5, 2024, joining the team’s backfield as the new spring league formed. He re-signed with the Panthers on August 13, 2024, signaling that the organization valued his role within the roster. His continued presence provided veteran leadership and a reliable rushing option for the offense.
On April 10, 2025, Colburn was placed on injured reserve but was activated on May 12, 2025, and returned to action. Through the early 2025 season, he remained a productive contributor in the Panthers’ backfield and a steady presence in the locker room.
Driving Style and Strengths
Colburn plays a physical, downhill running style that rewards patience behind his offensive line and decisive cuts through the line of scrimmage. He shows reliable hands in the passing game and dependable ball security, two traits coaches value in a rotational back. His experience across multiple offensive systems has helped him adapt quickly to new schemes and quarterbacks.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Colburn’s career came in college, when he ran for 243 yards and three touchdowns against Louisville, the program that had withdrawn his scholarship before signing day. His USFL Sportsman of the Year Award in 2022 stands as another milestone, recognizing both his play and his community contributions. Reaching 2,528 career rushing yards at Wake Forest placed him sixth in program history, another lasting mark on his résumé.
Matthew Colburn II Career Wins
Matthew Colburn II has built his professional résumé through steady production rather than headline statistics. His career arc has taken him through the NFL, the XFL, The Spring League, the Canadian Football League, the USFL, and the UFL, with consistent contributions at each stop. He has earned recognition for his play and his character, including the 2022 USFL Sportsman of the Year Award.
USFL Highlights
During his time with the Philadelphia Stars, Colburn played in nine games and recorded 92 rush attempts, 418 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns through Week 9 of the 2022 season. His touchdown total reflected a nose for the end zone that complemented the Stars’ offensive game plan. The 2022 USFL Sportsman of the Year Award capped his strongest professional season.
Other Wins and Performances
At Wake Forest, Colburn finished his college career sixth in school history with 2,528 rushing yards and earned the 2014 South Carolina Mr. Football award in high school. His senior year at Wake Forest produced five rushing touchdowns, and his 243-yard, three-touchdown game against Louisville stood as his career high. Across the XFL and The Spring League, he continued to show flashes of production, including nearly 200 rushing yards across two weeks with the TSL Blues.
Matthew Colburn II Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matthew Colburn II was raised in Irmo, South Carolina, and developed his love for football through the local youth and high school programs. His family supported his athletic path from his record-setting years at Dutch Fork High School through his college career at Wake Forest.
Personal Life
Colburn stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and has been listed at 201 pounds during his professional career. He is active on social media, where he shares updates about his training and his seasons with the Michigan Panthers. His full given name, Matthew Colburn II, reflects his family’s naming tradition.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Colburn II entered the 2025 season with the Michigan Panthers, having re-signed with the team in August 2024. The Panthers built their offense around a balanced backfield, and Colburn served as a complementary runner and trusted veteran voice. Early in the year, he was placed on injured reserve on April 10, 2025, which interrupted his early-season momentum.
The Panthers activated Colburn on May 12, 2025, and he returned to the field ready to contribute. His familiarity with the team’s scheme and the coaching staff allowed him to step back into the rotation without a long adjustment period. He provided short-yardage reliability and pass protection, two staples of his game.
Looking ahead through the rest of 2025, Colburn remains focused on staying healthy and producing in the UFL. His experience across the Rams, Guardians, Blues, Argonauts, Stars, Jaguars, and Panthers has prepared him for the grind of a long season. If he maintains his current form, he has a strong chance to play a meaningful role in the Panthers’ push toward the UFL postseason.