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Claimed by the Cardinals off waivers in September of 2006 a day after being released by the Eagles; went on to play in 14 games and make one start for Arizona.
Selected in the 21st round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft by the Seattle Mariners as a centerfielder; spent the summers of 2002 and 2003 in the Valley playing centerfield for the Peoria Mariners of MLB’s rookie league.
Pro Career:
Originally a third-round pick (89th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2004 NFL Draft. Released by the Eagles on 9/2/06 and claimed by the Cardinals the next day.
2006: Appeared in 14 games for Arizona and earned his first NFL start vs. StL (9/24) saw extensive action as a reserve cornerback garnering two tackles @ Sea (9/17); entered the game at right corner when Eric Green left with an injury received the first start of his career at right cornerback , collecting four tackles, one pass defensed and a forced fumble vs. StL (9/24) appeared on special teams recording one tackle vs. Chi (10/16) inactive (shoulder) @ GB (10/29); vs. Dal (11/12) recorded two special teams tackles @ StL (12/3) collected a game high three special teams tackles vs. Den (12/17) recorded two special teams tackles @ SF (12/24); @ SD (12/31).
2005: Provided the Eagles one of their most memorable wins after picking up a blocked field goal and returning it 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown vs. SD (10/23); down 17-13 with only 2:37 left in regulation, Quintin Mikell blocked a 40-yard FG attempt by the Chargers Nate Kaeding and Ware’s TD return provided the game’s final points; it marked the first time in Eagles history that an opponent’s field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown ranked second in special teams unit production points (169) and fourth in tackles (17) recovered a fumble on special teams that led to an Eagles touchdown vs. GB (11/27).
2004: Finished tied for fifth on the team in special teams tackles (15) and sixth in production points (132) saw first NFL game action vs. Car (10/17) and recorded one tackle on defense and special teams notched a career-high five tackles with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery @ StL (12/27) recorded four solo tackles in Super Bowl XXXIX vs. NE (2/6/05).
College:
A three-year starter for the Bruins at both cornerback and free safety recorded 117 tackles, one sack, eight interceptions and two blocked kicks during his career in 2001 became the first true freshman to start every game and was named Pac-10 freshman of the year by The Sporting News switched to free safety for the first three games of 2002 before returning back to cornerback despite the position change earned first-team All-Pac 10 honors with a career-high 51 tackles, one interception, one sack, two forced fumbles and a blocked punt.
Personal:
Full name Matthew Jesse Ware attended Loyola (Los Angeles, CA) High School earned USA Today and Parade All-America honors named the LA Times’ All-Central City player of the year as a senior passed for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 1,161 rds and 17 more TDs added 59 tackles, four interceptions and six forced fumbles on defense also lettered in track and baseball brother, Aaron, is currently a redshirt sophomore strong safety at UCLA. | 