Hall of Fame
Position: Center
Years: 1951-1954
Place of Birth: Ross, CA
Date of Birth: Aug 02, 1933
Place of Death: San Francisco, CA
Date of Death: Jan 13, 1987
Jersey Number: 54
Height: 6-1
Weight: 220
High School: Mill Valley, CA (Tamalpais HS)
Varsity football began dramatically for Matt Hazeltine. Freshmen were eligible in 1951 because of the Korean War, but Matt 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. When Cal switched to football in 1915, he made the team as an end. Then he became a doctor.
