Los Angeles acquired Hall of Fame halfback Ollie Matson from…
Los Angeles acquired Hall of Fame halfback Ollie Matson from the Chicago Cardinals for seven named players, a 1960 second-round pick that became Mike McGee, and a training-camp player obligation later converted into the 1960 fourth-round pick used on Silas Woods. Matson produced immediately for the Rams, but the Cardinals received one of the largest multi-asset packages of the era.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Frank Fuller
- player Glenn Holtzman
- player Ken Panfil
- player Art Hauser
- player John Tracey
- player Larry Hickman
- player Don Brown
- pick 1960 second round pick (#14-Mike McGee)
- pick 1960 fourth round pick (#38-Silas Woods)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Ollie Matson
Trade Analysis
The Matson trade was a classic star-for-volume exchange, and the size of the package is essential to understanding it. Los Angeles acquired Ollie Matson, a Hall of Fame halfback who was still a major offensive weapon at age 29. The Chicago Cardinals received seven named players, the Rams' 1960 second-round choice, and an additional player obligation that was ultimately converted into a 1960 fourth-round selection. The Pro Football Hall of Fame identifies the two choices as No. 14 Mike McGee and No. 38 Silas Woods.
Matson gave Los Angeles real production right away. In 1959 he rushed for 863 yards on 161 carries, averaged 5.4 yards per attempt, and scored six rushing touchdowns. His role changed after that season, but he remained useful; in 1961 he added 537 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. The Rams therefore did not give away a huge package for a player who immediately disappeared. They acquired a proven star and received several seasons of meaningful use from him.
The other side of the deal was built around breadth rather than a single replacement star. Chicago received four veteran linemen in Frank Fuller, Glenn Holtzman, Ken Panfil, and Art Hauser, plus John Tracey, Larry Hickman, and Don Brown. The two draft choices added more opportunities to convert the trade into roster value. Even when individual pieces did not approach Matson's stature, the package gave the Cardinals far more ways to improve a roster than a normal one-for-one veteran exchange.
That distinction is why the transaction can favor Chicago without treating Matson's Rams tenure as a failure. Los Angeles bought certainty and star power. Chicago accepted the loss of a famous player in exchange for a historically large bundle of players and picks. Matson's strong 1959 season gave the Rams a legitimate return, but the acquisition cost was extraordinary for a veteran entering his thirties. The Cardinals' side therefore carries the stronger overall value case, while the Rams still received substantial football production from the player they targeted.