Jake Matthews Nearing 200th Career Start with Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews is closing in on a rare NFL milestone: his 200th career start. As of the Falcons’ Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on September 21, 2025, Matthews has started 179 consecutive games, needing just 21 more starts to join an elite group of franchise legends.

Matthews, a first‑round pick in 2014, has spent his entire professional career with Atlanta, missing only a single game during his rookie season. His durability and consistency have made him a cornerstone of the Falcons’ offensive line and one of the longest‑tenured players in team history.

Early Career and Longevity

Selected sixth overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, Matthews stepped into the starting role immediately and has rarely left the field since. Over eleven full seasons plus the current 2025 campaign, he has accumulated 179 starts, a figure that reflects both his physical resilience and the Falcons’ confidence in his abilities.

“I can’t reiterate enough how much God has blessed me to have a body that can continue to do this and stay free from injury,” Matthews said in a recent interview. “That’s stuff I can’t take credit for. Just very thankful to him and how good he’s been to me.”

His only missed game came in 2014, a testament to a training regimen and a support system that have kept him healthy for more than a decade.

The Upcoming Milestone: 200 Starts

Reaching 200 starts would place Matthews alongside only three other Falcons in franchise history who have achieved the feat. The milestone underscores not only his longevity but also his role as a stabilizing presence on an offensive line that has seen numerous changes over the years.

Matthews downplays the significance of the number itself, focusing instead on the process: “You keep chipping away, you make it through each week, and then you wake up one day, and it’s like the 13th season, like 200 games. So, I keep that formula going.”

Based on the current 17‑game NFL schedule, Matthews would need roughly one and a half additional seasons to hit 200 if he remains healthy and retains his starting role.

Personal Reflections and Family Life

Off the field, Matthews’ life has evolved alongside his football career. He and his wife, Meggi, are expecting their third child, a development that has shifted his priorities.

“She’s been a huge part of the second half of my career,” Matthews said. “She sacrifices a lot for me to be out here.”

The impending arrival of another child has also altered his perspective on time and responsibility.

“I was pretty used to going home to do what I want whenever I want to do it,” Matthews noted. “Now, it’s, you gotta put other people in front of yourself.”

These personal developments have reinforced the gratitude he often expresses for his family’s support and his faith.

Falcons’ Offensive Line and Prospects

Matthews’ consistency has allowed the Falcons to build around him, whether through drafting interior linemen or adjusting schemes to maximize his pass‑protection and run‑blocking strengths. His experience provides valuable mentorship for younger teammates vying for starting spots.

Looking ahead, the Falcons’ offensive line depth will be tested as injuries and roster moves occur, but Matthews’ track record suggests he will remain a fixture for the foreseeable future.

Statistics and Start Count

• Games played (2014‑2025): 179
• Games started: 179 (only missed game: 2014 Week 17)
• Consecutive starts: 179 (active streak)
• Average starts per season: ~16.3

Looking Ahead: Remaining Games to 200

With 179 starts through Week 3 of the 2025 season, Matthews requires 21 more starts to reach 200. At the current rate of 17 games per season, he could achieve the milestone:

• By the end of the 2026 season if he starts all remaining games (projected total: 196).
• Early in the 2027 season, likely around Week 4, assuming continued health and a starting role.

Community, Faith, and Legacy

Beyond statistics, Matthews frequently cites his faith as a driving force behind his longevity and mindset. He often references divine blessing when discussing his health and durability.

His community involvement, including youth football camps and charitable events in the Atlanta area, has reinforced his reputation as a leader both on and off the field.

As he approaches the 200‑start mark, Matthews remains focused on contributing to the Falcons’ success while cherishing the family moments that have grown alongside his career.

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