Alexander Mattison Bio
Alexander Mattison (born June 19, 1998) is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. A third-round draft pick in 2019 from Boise State University, Mattison has built a reputation as a versatile and dependable offensive player throughout his NFL career. He previously played for the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders before joining Miami in 2025. Known for his combination of rushing ability and receiving skills, Mattison has contributed consistently at each level of his football journey.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Mattison was born on June 19, 1998, in San Bernardino, California. He attended San Bernardino High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. On the football field, Mattison rushed for over 2,000 yards in each of his final two seasons, accumulating 2,017 yards and 26 touchdowns during his junior year followed by 2,057 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior. His outstanding performance earned him recognition in the Inland Valley Football Classic following his senior season.
Beyond football, Mattison competed in track and field and wrestling at San Bernardino High School. He won the Mountain Valley League championship in the 110-meter hurdles as a senior and secured a league wrestling title at 195 pounds. His athletic versatility and competitive drive were evident through these multi-sport achievements, demonstrating the foundation of his future football success.
Path to American Football
Mattison’s journey to professional football continued at Boise State University, where he played for the Broncos from 2016 to 2018. He quickly established himself as a durable and productive running back, appearing in every game during his three-year collegiate career despite undergoing offseason surgeries on his shoulder and ankle. His reliability and work ethic became defining characteristics of his playing style.
As a junior in 2018, Mattison delivered his most impressive collegiate season, rushing for 1,415 yards and 17 touchdowns in 13 games. His performance in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game earned him offensive MVP honors after he rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown. Following the season, he entered the 2019 NFL Draft, citing his awareness of the physical demands of the running back position. He was selected in the third round with the 102nd overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings.
Alexander Mattison Career
Minnesota Vikings (2019-2023)
Mattison began his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 after being selected in the third round of the draft. He made his professional debut in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, recording nine carries for 49 yards in the victory. His first career rushing touchdown came in Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders. Throughout his rookie season, Mattison finished with 462 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown while contributing in the passing game.
His most notable performance of the 2019 season occurred in a Week 5 Sunday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks. With starting running back Dalvin Cook injured during the game, Mattison stepped up with 20 carries for 112 rushing yards, recording his first professional 100-yard game in the narrow loss. The following seasons saw Mattison serve primarily as Cook’s backup while developing his skills and maintaining readiness when called upon. In 2020, he recorded 434 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding 125 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The 2021 season brought increased opportunities with 491 rushing yards and three touchdowns across 16 games.
With Cook departing in the 2023 offseason, Mattison became the Vikings’ primary running back. He signed a two-year contract extension in March 2023 and responded with his most productive professional season, recording 700 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 13 starts. The Vikings released Mattison in March 2024 after five seasons with the organization.
Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
Mattison signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2024 and assumed a significant role in their offense. His standout performance came in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, where he accumulated 123 all-purpose yards, including 92 rushing yards on 23 carries. However, his season was interrupted when he suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. The injury caused him to miss two games before he returned to finish the season. Overall, Mattison recorded 420 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to complement 36 receptions for 294 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Miami Dolphins (2025-Present)
Mattison signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in March 2025. His tenure with Miami encountered immediate challenges when he suffered a neck injury during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears in August. The injury required hospitalization and season-ending surgery, placing significant uncertainty on his immediate football future.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mattison is recognized for his balanced skill set as a running back, combining between-the-tackles power with soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield. His track and wrestling background contribute to his competitive speed and functional strength. His collegiate durability, never missing a game in three seasons, highlighted his ability to withstand the physical demands of the position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Mattison has achieved several notable milestones, including his first 100-yard rushing game against Seattle in 2019 and his MVP performance in the 2018 Mountain West Championship. His versatility has allowed him to contribute meaningfully both as a starter and as a reliable backup throughout his NFL journey.
Alexander Mattison Career Statistics
Across six NFL seasons, Mattison has established himself as a productive dual-threat running back with significant contributions both on the ground and through the air. His career totals reflect his consistency and versatility within various offensive schemes.
NFL Highlights
Mattison entered the NFL with high expectations following his successful Boise State career and has generally met those standards through steady production. His most productive rushing season came in 2023 with Minnesota, where he recorded 700 rushing yards and three touchdowns while serving as the primary starter. His receiving totals demonstrate consistent value as a check-down option, with his career reception yardage exceeding 1,000 yards.
Career Totals
Through the 2025 season, Mattison has accumulated 2,790 career rushing yards on 715 carries with 15 rushing touchdowns. His receiving production totals 136 receptions for 1,012 yards and seven receiving touchdowns, highlighting his value as a three-down back option capable of contributing in multiple facets of the offense.
Alexander Mattison Personal Life
Family Background
Born and raised in San Bernardino, California, Mattison has maintained connections to his hometown throughout his career. His athletic family background and community support contributed to his development as a multi-sport athlete at San Bernardino High School.
Personal Life
Mattison identifies as a Christian and is fluent in Spanish, reflecting his personal values and cultural heritage. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans throughout his professional journey. His faith and family values have been consistent elements of his public identity throughout his football career.
2025 Season Performance
Mattison’s 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins never truly began due to a serious neck injury sustained during the preseason. The injury occurred in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears and required immediate hospitalization followed by season-ending surgery. This setback occurred just months after he signed with Miami, interrupting what the team hoped would be a productive partnership.
The injury raised questions about Mattison’s long-term availability and recovery timeline. He had joined the Dolphins seeking a fresh start after a challenging season with the Raiders. His rehabilitation and eventual return to football will be significant storylines as he works to resume his professional career.