Matthew Hatchette

Who is Matthew Hatchette?

Matthew Hatchette is the defensive coordinator/wide receivers coach at Calabasas High School in Calabasas, California. He was formerly a professional American football player who played wide receiver for six regular seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his career, he caught 60 passes for 887 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.8 yards per catch. His playoff statistics are six receptions for 39 yards and two touchdowns. In 2002 he was signed to the Oakland Raiders, but was released in the pre-season due to a serious shoulder injury. He also played one season for the Amsterdam Admirals, an NFL Europe team, in 2003. He was named to the All-NFL Europe Team that year and broke the League's receiving records in number of passes caught, yardage, and touchdowns. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003. In Jacksonville, he played in six games, catching 15 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. He was released following the 2003 season and retired shortly thereafter.

A Langston University graduate, Hatchette initially attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Jefferson Area High School, where he played quarterback and was also a member of the basketball team. His retired #5 jersey is on display in the school cafeteria, along with an article about when he was drafted. He is believed to be the only Jefferson Falcon in any sport to have his number retired.