Matt Hazeltine

Bio

Due to the Korean War, freshmen were eligible in 1951, but California's Matt Hazeltine had seen little action going into the last week of the season. In a Wednesday scrimmage, one of the regulars broke his shoulder pad and asked to be replaced for a few minutes while he changed equipment. Matt, a speedy, but not very heavy lineman, took his place. He was an immediate sensation. The former regular never got his job back. Matt started the final game of 1951 at center and held the job through 1954. His football beginning was spectacular, and his end was tragic. On January 13, 1987, at age 53, he died of anyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He had been stricken several years before. His football career was great: named All-America center by International News Service 1953 and 1954 and by the Football Writers Association in 1953; 14 years with the San Francisco 49ers as linebacker; one year with the New York Giants. Between football seasons he developed an insurance agency in Los Altos, California. The name, Matt Hazeltine, shines in California lore. His father, Matt, Sr., was on the rugby team in 1914 and the football team the following year.

Career Highlights

• 1954 All-Conference
• 1954 First Team All-America
• 1953 All-Conference
• 1953 First Team All-America