Scott Matlock Bio
Scott Matlock is an American professional football fullback for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 28, 2000, in Homedale, Idaho, Matlock played college football at Boise State from 2018 to 2022. He was drafted by the Chargers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Matlock began his career primarily as a defensive lineman before transitioning into a two-way player, contributing on both offense and defense.
Early Life and Background
Scott Matlock grew up in Homedale, Idaho, where he attended Homedale High School. During his high school years, Matlock developed as a multi-position player, laying the foundation for his future versatility on the football field. His early athletic development in Idaho helped shape the work ethic and positional flexibility that would define his collegiate and professional career.
Matlock’s size and athletic ability made him a standout prospect coming out of Homedale High School. His performance at the high school level attracted attention from multiple college programs, ultimately leading him to choose Boise State University as the next step in his football journey.
Path to the NFL
Matlock joined the Boise State Broncos football program in 2018 and immediately began his college career on the defensive line. Over his five seasons with the Broncos from 2018 to 2022, Matlock developed into a reliable contributor for one of the premier Group of Five programs in the country.
His consistency and performance at Boise State earned him recognition, as he was named Second-team All-Mountain West Conference twice, earning the honor in both 2021 and 2022. These accolades reflected his development into one of the more dependable defensive players in the conference. Matlock also occasionally played tight end during his collegiate career, giving him valuable experience in a two-way role that would later prove significant in his professional transition.
Scott Matlock Career
Rookie Season (2023)
Matlock entered the 2023 NFL Draft as a mid-round prospect and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round with the 200th overall pick. The selection brought the Idaho native into the NFL ranks, where he joined a Chargers organization looking to build depth along their defensive line.
During his rookie season, Matlock played exclusively as a defensive end, appearing in 12 games. He recorded 14 total tackles in his inaugural professional campaign, showing the ability to contribute on special teams and provide rotational depth on defense. The rookie year served as an adjustment period as he learned the professional level of play and adapted to the speed and physical demands of the NFL.
Transition to Two-Way Player (2024)
The 2024 season marked a significant turning point in Matlock’s career. With the arrival of new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Matlock transitioned into a two-way player, lining up at fullback on offense while continuing to play defensive end on defense. Roman had previously utilized a similar defensive end/fullback hybrid role with Patrick Ricard during his tenure as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
Matlock made his debut as a two-way player in Week 1 of the 2024 season against the Las Vegas Raiders, playing 18 offensive snaps, 16 defensive snaps, and 14 special teams snaps in a 22-10 Chargers victory. The following week against the Carolina Panthers, he recorded a tackle and his first career pass deflection in a 26-3 win. In Week 4, Matlock caught his first career reception for seven yards in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A major milestone came in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints when Matlock recorded his first career sack. He also added one tackle and one reception for nine yards in the 26-8 Chargers win. By the end of the 2024 season, Matlock had established himself as a unique two-way weapon, recording 4 receptions on 5 targets for 28 yards, 9 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection. He played 362 offensive snaps, 137 defensive snaps, and 231 special teams snaps, showcasing his value across all three phases of the game.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2023–Present)
Since being drafted by the Chargers in 2023, Matlock has become an intriguing piece in their roster construction. His ability to play multiple positions gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him each week. Under the Harbaugh and Roman regime, Matlock’s role has expanded significantly beyond what was initially envisioned when he was drafted.
His transition from a purely defensive player to a two-way contributor represents a rare development path in professional football. The coaching staff has found creative ways to utilize his size, athleticism, and football intelligence to create mismatches against opposing defenses while still benefiting from his defensive capabilities in short-yardage situations.
Driving Style and Strengths
While not a traditional fullback in the classic sense, Matlock brings a defensive player’s mentality to his offensive role. His experience as a defensive end gives him an understanding of defensive schemes that allows him to find soft spots in coverage and make contested catches. His 6-foot-4 frame provides him with a large catching radius, and his physicality as a former defensive lineman makes him a reliable blocker in the running game. The synergy between Matlock’s defensive instincts and offensive versatility creates matchup problems that the Chargers coaching staff continues to exploit.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several defining moments have shaped Matlock’s early NFL career. His first career sack against the New Orleans Saints in 2024 demonstrated his continued ability to affect the game on the defensive side despite his expanded offensive responsibilities. His first career reception against the Kansas City Chiefs showed his ability to contribute as a receiver, and his first career touchdown reception against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 of the 2025 season represented the culmination of his transition into a full-time offensive weapon.
Scott Matlock Career Wins
Through his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Matlock has accumulated meaningful statistics across offensive and defensive categories, along with significant playing time on special teams.
NFL Highlights
Matlock’s most impactful season came in 2024 when he fully embraced the two-way role. That season, he recorded his first career sack, first career reception, and established himself as a consistent contributor across all three phases. His ability to play both fullback and defensive end at the professional level represents a rare accomplishment. The 2025 season brought his first career touchdown on a two-yard reception from quarterback Justin Herbert in Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans, a moment that highlighted his growth into a reliable offensive target.
Defensive Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Matlock has maintained his defensive presence. His rookie season yielded 14 total tackles, and his 2024 campaign added 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection, and 1 fumble recovery. These defensive numbers underscore that his transition to offense has not diminished his ability to contribute when called upon along the defensive line.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 22 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Receptions | 8 |
| Receiving Yards | 40 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 |
Scott Matlock Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Scott Matlock’s family background, parents, or extended family is limited. He grew up in Homedale, Idaho, and attended Homedale High School before beginning his college football career at Boise State University.
Personal Life
Matlock maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his football career. He continues to represent his hometown roots from Homedale, Idaho, throughout his professional career with the Chargers. Beyond football, Matlock focuses on his development as a two-way player while building relationships within the Chargers organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year in Scott Matlock’s professional development. After establishing himself as a two-way player in 2024, Matlock entered the 2025 campaign with an expanded role in the Chargers offense. The coaching staff has shown increased confidence in his abilities as a receiver and blocker, utilizing him in various offensive sets throughout the season.
A defining moment of the 2025 season came in Week 9 when Matlock scored his first career touchdown on a two-yard reception from Justin Herbert against the Tennessee Titans. The score represented a significant milestone in his evolution from a defensive player to a legitimate offensive weapon. It validated the Chargers’ investment in developing his two-way skills and provided a glimpse of his potential as a red-zone threat.
The partnership between Matlock and the Chargers coaching staff continues to yield unique tactical advantages. His ability to line up at multiple positions creates pre-snap uncertainty for opposing defenses, and his continued development as a route-runner and receiver suggests his offensive production could increase in future seasons. As Matlock gains more experience in his expanded role, he positions himself as a valuable asset in the Chargers’ long-term plans while continuing to contribute on defense and special teams.