Yetur Akkub Gross-Matos Bio
Yetur Akkub Gross-Matos is an American professional football defensive end currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He began his football career at Penn State University before being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Yetur Gross-Matos was born on February 26, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His early life was marked by tragedy; his biological father died in a boating accident attempting to save him from drowning when Yetur was just two years old. Additionally, at age ten, his brother passed away after being struck by lightning while playing baseball.
Gross-Matos attended Chancellor High School in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where he excelled in football, recording 37 sacks during his high school career. His performance earned him a commitment to Pennsylvania State University to play college football.
Path to American Football
At Penn State, Gross-Matos quickly established himself as a formidable defensive player. As a true freshman in 2017, he appeared in all 13 games, contributing 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His sophomore year saw him start all games with an impressive 54 tackles and eight sacks. By his junior year, he recorded 14 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2018 and 2019. Following his junior season, he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior year.
Yetur Gross-Matos Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Gross-Matos was selected 38th overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, making him the second defensive end chosen that year. In Week 4 of his rookie season, he recorded his first career sack, a strip sack against Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, contributing to a 31–21 victory. His rookie season was interrupted by an ankle injury that placed him on injured reserve in October 2020, but he returned to play later that year. Throughout his tenure with the Panthers, Gross-Matos showed consistent development, appearing in 12 games during the 2023 season and recording 4.5 sacks and 36 tackles. He also faced a hamstring injury in October 2023 but was activated in December.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024–Present)
In March 2024, Gross-Matos signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He was activated from injured reserve in November 2024 and delivered a standout performance against the Chicago Bears in December, recording four tackles and three sacks. This effort earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. In 2025, he faced a hip injury that placed him on injured reserve in November but was reactivated in December, continuing to contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
Playing Style and Strengths
Yetur Gross-Matos is known for his physical presence on the defensive line, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays makes him a valuable asset. He combines strength and agility, excelling in pass rushing and run defense, often leveraging his size and speed to outmaneuver opponents.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gross-Matos’s first career sack and strip sack during his rookie season marked an early milestone. His recognition as NFC Defensive Player of the Week in 2024 highlighted his impact at the professional level. Despite injuries, his resilience and performances have established him as a key defensive player in the NFL.
Yetur Gross-Matos Career Wins
As a defensive end, Gross-Matos’s contributions are measured in sacks and tackles rather than traditional wins. His career highlights include multiple impactful sacks and defensive plays that have helped his teams secure victories and maintain competitive defenses.
NFL Highlights
Gross-Matos recorded his first NFL sack in 2020 and has since accumulated several sacks each season, including a notable three-sack game in 2024 with the San Francisco 49ers. His consistent pressure on quarterbacks has been a significant factor in his teams’ defensive successes.
Other Performances
Throughout his college and professional career, Gross-Matos has been recognized for his defensive skills, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2018 and 2019. His ability to impact games at both the collegiate and professional levels underscores his talent and work ethic.
Yetur Gross-Matos Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Gross-Matos’s family background includes significant personal losses early in his life, including the deaths of his father and brother. These events have shaped his resilience and determination both on and off the field.
Personal Life
Details about Gross-Matos’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NFL season, Gross-Matos faced challenges due to a hip injury that sidelined him in November. After being placed on injured reserve, he was activated in late December, allowing him to contribute to the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive efforts as the season concluded. His recovery and return are critical for the team’s defensive depth and performance moving forward.