Christian Matthew

Christian Matthew Bio

Christian Matthew (born October 26, 1996) is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays in the United Football League (UFL). He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has since played for the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys organizations. Matthew played college football at three universities, finishing his collegiate career at Valdosta State where he earned first-team All-Gulf South Conference honors in 2021. He participated in the 2022 College Gridiron Showcase post-season all-star event and continues his professional football career with the Orlando Storm in the UFL.

Early Life and Background

Christian Matthew was born on October 26, 1996, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in Cusseta, Georgia, where he attended Chattahoochee County High School. During his senior season at Chattahoochee High School, Matthew played both sides of the ball as a wide receiver on offense and a defensive player on defense. He recorded 29 receptions for 629 yards as a receiver while accumulating 64 tackles and four interceptions on defense.

His outstanding high school performance earned him second-team all-state honors and first-team All-Bi-City recognition. These achievements showcased his versatility and athleticism, setting the foundation for his future career in football at the collegiate level.

Path to Professional Football

After graduating from Chattahoochee County High School, Matthew enrolled at Georgia Southern University where he played for the Eagles from 2015 to 2017. He later transferred to Samford University, citing the absence of a transfer portal at the time as the reason he chose to move to an FCS program rather than sit out a year. At Samford, he continued developing his skills as a defensive back from 2018 to 2019.

Matthew completed his collegiate career at Valdosta State University, joining the Blazers for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. His senior season proved exceptional as he tied for fifth in the nation in pass break-ups, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks. His standout performance earned him first-team All-Gulf South Conference honors. Following the 2021 season, Matthew was invited to and participated in the 2022 College Gridiron Showcase, a prestigious post-season all-star event that helped raise his profile among NFL scouts.

Christian Matthew Career

Early NFL Career (2022)

Matthew entered the 2022 NFL Draft as a cornerback prospect with four years of college game experience across three different programs. His versatility, size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), and ball skills caught the attention of professional scouts. He was particularly noted for his ability to break up passes and his experience playing multiple defensive schemes throughout his collegiate journey.

Arizona Cardinals (2022–2023)

The Arizona Cardinals selected Christian Matthew in the seventh round with the 244th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His selection marked the culmination of his journey through three college programs and the College Gridiron Showcase. Matthew spent his rookie season with the Cardinals, learning the professional game while developing under the guidance of the coaching staff. He was released by the Cardinals on October 2, 2023, after appearing in games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Chicago Bears (2023)

Following his release from the Cardinals, Matthew quickly found a new opportunity. On October 3, 2023, he was signed to the practice squad of the Chicago Bears. This move allowed him to continue developing his craft while immersing himself in a new defensive system. However, he was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season concluded, which made him a free agent entering the 2024 league year.

Baltimore Ravens (2024)

Matthew signed with the Baltimore Ravens on January 16, 2024, joining their practice squad. His performance during the offseason program earned him a reserve/future contract, which he signed on January 29, 2024. This signing represented an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a franchise known for its strong defensive tradition. However, his tenure with the Ravens was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024. On March 7, 2025, the Ravens declined to tender Matthew, effectively making him a free agent once again.

Dallas Cowboys (2025)

On July 29, 2025, Matthew signed with the Dallas Cowboys, joining another NFL franchise with a storied history. He competed for a spot in the Cowboys secondary during training camp and the preseason. Unfortunately, Matthew was waived/injured on August 25, 2025, ending his brief tenure with the organization before the regular season began.

Orlando Storm (2026)

Christian Matthew transitioned to the United Football League (UFL) in 2026. On January 14, 2026, he was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft. This move marked a new chapter in his professional career as he joined the spring professional football league. However, his time with the Storm was brief as he was released on March 19, 2026.

Playing Style and Strengths

Matthew possesses the size (6-foot-2) that NFL teams value in cornerbacks, allowing him to match up against larger receivers and contested catch situations. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to anticipate routes and break up passes, as evidenced by his nation-leading statistics in pass break-ups during his senior season at Valdosta State. His experience playing at multiple collegiate programs shows adaptability to different defensive schemes and coaching styles.

Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Matthew has appeared in games with the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens. In his NFL career through the 2025 season, he has recorded 20 total tackles and 3 pass deflections. While his opportunities have been limited, he has shown the ability to contribute on special teams and provide depth in the secondary when called upon.

Christian Matthew Family

Personal Life

Christian Matthew maintains a public presence through his Instagram account, where he connects with fans under the handle twofirstnames96. Born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Cusseta, Georgia, Matthew’s journey to professional football spans from the Southeast to the collegiate level and eventually to the professional ranks. He continues to pursue opportunities in professional football following his release from the Orlando Storm in March 2026.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a year of transition for Christian Matthew in the NFL. After beginning the year with the Baltimore Ravens organization, he was released in March when the team declined to tender his contract. This free agency led him to sign with the Dallas Cowboys in late July, providing him with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp.

Matthew’s tenure with the Cowboys lasted only through the preseason as he was waived/injured in late August. This injury designation ended his quest for a roster spot with the franchise before the regular season commenced. The 2025 season underscored the competitive nature of the NFL and the challenges that players face in maintaining roster spots across multiple organizations.

Following his release from the Cowboys, Matthew pivoted his career toward the United Football League. His selection by the Orlando Storm in the January 2026 UFL Draft represented a new opportunity to continue playing professional football. While his time with the Storm was short-lived due to a March release, Matthew remains determined to pursue his football career and demonstrate his abilities at the professional level.