Matt Bushman

Matt Bushman
No. 84, 89
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1995-11-03) November 3, 1995 (age 29)
Carbondale, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
High school:Sabino (Tucson, Arizona)
College:BYU (2017–2020)
Undrafted:2021
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Matt Bushman (born November 3, 1995) is an American former professional football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played high school football at Sabino High School in Tucson, Arizona, where he led the country in receiving yards by a tight end his senior year with 1,583 yards and 26 touchdowns. After serving as a Mormon missionary in Chile from 2014 to 2016, Bushman played for the BYU Cougars football team from 2017 to 2020. While at BYU, he was a freshman All-American, led the team in receiving yards for three straight seasons, and was a two-time Phil Steele All-Independent first team selection. He missed the entire 2020 season due to injury. He also played college baseball for the BYU Cougars baseball team in 2017.

Bushman signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after going undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft. He played in two games for the Raiders in 2021 as a practice squad elevation. He was then a member of the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad from 2021 to 2023, and appeared in one game as a practice squad elevation. Bushman was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams during his time with the Chiefs.

Early life

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Matt Bushman was born on November 3, 1995, in Carbondale, Illinois.[1] He played high school football at Sabino High School in Tucson, Arizona, earning all-state honors twice. He led the country in receiving yards by a tight end his senior year with 1,583 yards and 26 touchdowns.[2] Bushman recorded high school totals of 2,891 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns.[2] He was named an honorable mention Parade All-American and an honorable mention Semper Fidelis All-American.[2] He earned all-state honors in baseball during high school as well and had a batting average of over .400.[2] Bushman was also an Eagle Scout growing up.[3]

In the class of 2014, Bushman was rated a three-star recruit, the No. 14 tight end in the country, and the No. 13 overall player in Arizona by ESPN.com, a three-star recruit, the No. 35 tight end in the country, and the No. 17 overall player in Arizona by 247Sports.com, and a three-star recruit by Scout.com.[4][5][6] In October 2013, he committed to play college football and baseball for the BYU Cougars of Brigham Young University.[6] He had also received offers from Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Colorado State, Duke, Nevada, Penn, and San Diego State.[6]

College career

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After serving as a Mormon missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Chile Santiago South Mission in Santiago, Chile from 2014 to 2016, Bushman joined the BYU Cougars football team in 2017.[7][8][9][2] The Deseret News reported that he had a "standout" performance during spring practice in 2017.[9] He played in all 13 games, starting eight, during his true freshman season in 2017, catching 49 passes for 520 yards and three touchdowns.[2] He led the team in receptions and receiving yards while tying for the team-lead in receiving touchdowns.[10][2] Bushman also led the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in receptions and receiving yards by a freshman tight end.[2] He was named a freshman All-American by USA Today Sports, the Football Writers Association of America, 247Sports and Chat Sports.[2] His receptions and yards were the most by a BYU tight end since Dennis Pitta in 2009.[2] Bushman also recorded one solo tackle and one assisted tackle that season.[11] He received BYU's Impact Player of the Year Award.[2]

In July 2018, Bushman was named to the watchlist for the John Mackey Award, given to college football's best tight end.[12] He played in all 13 games, starting eight, for the second consecutive season in 2018, recording 29 receptions for 511 yards and two touchdowns while earning Phil Steele All-Independent first team honors.[2] He led the team in receptions and receiving yards for the second straight year.[13][2] Bushman's 17.6 yards per catch was the best by an independent school player that season and also the best for any FBS tight end.[11][14] He also had one solo tackle that season.[11]

In July 2019, Bushman was named to the watchlists for the John Mackey Award and also the Walter Camp Award, given to the best player in college football.[14] He was one of only two tight ends on the Walter Camp Award watchlist.[14] He was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week after totaling five receptions for a career-high 101 yards and a career-high two touchdowns in a 28–25 upset victory over No. 14 Boise State on October 19.[15] He appeared in all 13 games, starting 11, in 2019, catching 47 passes for 688 yards and four touchdowns.[2] He led the team in receiving yards for the third straight season and also tied for the team-lead in receiving touchdowns.[16][2] He was also named Phil Steele All-Independent first team for the second consecutive season.[2] Bushman became the third BYU tight end, after Gordon Hudson and Dennis Pitta, to record over 500 receiving yards for three straight years.[2] He also made one assisted tackle in 2019.[11]

In July 2020, Bushman was named to the John Mackey Award watchlist for the third season in a row.[17] However, he ended up missing the entire 2020 season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during practice on August 31, 2020.[18]

Bushman played in 39 games, starting 27, during his college career, compiling 125 receptions for 1,719 yards and nine touchdowns.[2][19] He also played college baseball for the BYU Cougars baseball team in 2017 but only appeared in one game, striking out as a pinch hitter in his only at-bat and then spending time in the outfield.[20][2] He majored in business at BYU.[2]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Bench press
6 ft 4+5⁄8 in
(1.95 m) 		245 lb
(111 kg) 		32+5⁄8 in
(0.83 m) 		9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.53 s 7.13 s 32.5 in
(0.83 m)		 23 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[21][22]

Las Vegas Raiders

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After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft, Bushman signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on May 7, 2021.[23] Bushman was waived on August 31 but signed to the practice squad the next day.[24] On October 23, he was elevated to the active roster after Nick Bowers was placed on injured reserve.[25] He made his NFL debut on October 24, playing 11 snaps on offense and two snaps on special teams in a 33–22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.[26] He reverted to the practice squad after the game. Bushman was elevated to the active roster for the second time on December 4 after Darren Waller was ruled out for the December 5 game against the Washington Football Team.[27] Bushman appeared in eight snaps on special teams during that contest and reverted to the practice squad afterwards.[26][27] He was released on December 23, 2021.[23]

Kansas City Chiefs

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On January 4, 2022, Bushman was signed to the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs.[23] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on February 2, 2022.[28] Bushman suffered a fractured clavicle in the Chiefs' preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 25, 2022, a game in which he recorded three receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns prior to being injured.[29] He was waived on August 30, with an injury designation.[30][23] After clearing waivers, he was placed on the Chiefs' injured reserve on August 31.[23] On September 7, he was released with an injury settlement.[23] Bushman was re-signed to the practice squad on December 20, 2022.[31] Bushman became a Super Bowl champion when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.[32] He signed a reserve/future contract on February 15, 2023.[33]

On August 29, 2023, Bushman was waived by the Chiefs and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[34][35] On September 7, just hours before kickoff, Bushman was elevated to the active roster after Travis Kelce was questionable for the day's season-opening game against the Detroit Lions.[36] Bushman played seven snaps on offense in the 21–20 loss to the Lions.[37] He reverted to the practice squad after the game.[38] Bushman won his second straight Super Bowl when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.[39] He became a free agent after the season and was not re-signed by the Chiefs. In April 2024, it was reported that Bushman was "moving away" from the NFL unless a "great opportunity presents itself".[38]

Personal life

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While at BYU, Bushman married Emily Lewis, a BYU volleyball player and the daughter of NFL tight end Chad Lewis.[7][2] Bushman's mother played volleyball at Ricks College, sister Madeline played volleyball at Dixie State, brother Riley and uncles David Quinn and Scott Gooch played football at BYU, and uncle Douglas played basketball at Utah.[2] He started the Matt Bushman Foundation in January 2021 in order to "provide underprivileged kids with sports opportunities".[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Matt Bushman". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Matt Bushman". Brigham Young University. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  3. ^ "Matt Bushman". Brigham Young University. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  4. ^ "Matt Bushman". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  5. ^ "Matt Bushman". 247Sports. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Kennedy, Kevin (October 14, 2013). "Matt Bushman commits to BYU". VanquishTheFoe.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Drew, Jay (January 25, 2021). "BYU's Matt Bushman on his Achilles injury, his new foundation and his decision to move forward". Deseret News. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  8. ^ Hansen, Greg (September 27, 2014). "Sabino grad Bushman begins Mormon mission". Saddlebag Notes. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Gurney, Brandon (July 20, 2017). "BYU football: Top 10 incoming players and freshmen this fall". Deseret News. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  10. ^ "2017 Brigham Young Cougars Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d "Matt Bushman". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  12. ^ "Matt Bushman named to 2018 Mackey Award watch list". Brigham Young University. July 20, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  13. ^ "2018 Brigham Young Cougars Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c "Matt Bushman named to 2019 Walter Camp Award Watch List". Brigham Young University. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  15. ^ "Matt Bushman named John Mackey Tight End of the Week". Brigham Young University. October 22, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  16. ^ "2019 Brigham Young Cougars Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  17. ^ "Bushman named to 2020 John Mackey Award Watch List". Brigham Young University. July 17, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  18. ^ Harmon, Dick (September 1, 2020). "Matt Bushman's injury a disappointment for BYU, but truly unfortunate for senior leader". Deseret News. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  19. ^ Harper, Mitch (August 26, 2022). "Matt Bushman Scores Multiple NFL Touchdowns Then Suffers Injury". KSL-TV. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  20. ^ "Matt Bushman". Baseball Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  21. ^ "Matt Bushman Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  22. ^ "2021 Draft Scout Matt Bushman, Brigham Young NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  23. ^ a b c d e f "Matt Bushman NFL Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  24. ^ Mosher, Marcus; Damien, Levi (September 1, 2021). "Raiders 2021 practice squad tracker". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  25. ^ "Raiders' Matt Bushman: Joins active roster". CBS Sports. October 23, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  26. ^ a b "Matt Bushman 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Matt Bushman". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  28. ^ Goldman, Charles (February 2, 2022). "Chiefs sign 13 players to reserve/future contracts". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  29. ^ Dixon, John (August 16, 2022). "TE Matt Bushman shines in preseason victory — and leaves game with injury". SB Nation. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  30. ^ Goldman, Charles (August 30, 2022). "Tracking Chiefs' 53-man roster cuts". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  31. ^ Goldman, Charles (December 20, 2022). "Chiefs sign preseason standout TE Matt Bushman to practice squad". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  32. ^ "Super Bowl LVII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 12th, 2023". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  33. ^ Goldman, Charles (February 15, 2023). "Chiefs sign 12 practice squad players on reserve/future contracts". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  34. ^ "Chiefs 2023 Roster Down to NFL-Mandated 53". Kansas City Chiefs. August 29, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  35. ^ "Chiefs Announce Roster Moves". Kansas City Chiefs. August 30, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  36. ^ Easton, Ed, Jr. (September 7, 2023). "Chiefs promote TE Matt Bushman from the practice squad". USA Today. Retrieved November 12, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ "Matt Bushman 2023 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  38. ^ a b McCann, Dave (April 23, 2024). "BYU's Matt Bushman 'moving away' from the game". Deseret News. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  39. ^ Maaddi, Rob (February 12, 2024). "Patrick Mahomes rallies the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25–22 over 49ers in overtime". Associated Press. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
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