Why Fullback Scott Matlock Wore a Gray Practice Jersey in Training Camp

Aug 20, 2025 at 04:41 PM

Omar Navarro

Jr. Writer

Almost two weeks after the start of training camp, an unfamiliar jersey emerged from the Chargers locker room.

It wasn't the normal white or blue jersey that the offense and defense alternate with — it was a dark gray jersey with a blue outline on the numbers.

And wearing it was none other than Scott Matlock, the only player who plays both sides of the ball on the Bolts.

"I've got a lot of positive feedback on it," Matlock said on Wednesday. "I think a lot of guys like it, it's a good look."

Matlock is the starting fullback on the Chargers unofficial depth chart but is also listed as a reserve defensive lineman.

He said it was his choice whether he would sport the offensive or defensive color every day, causing him to bring up the idea of another color jersey to help spur any confusion.

It only took off from there.

"It was kind of just up to me each day, I could wear whatever I felt like," Matlock said. "I'm a person of structure and routine, so I brought it up like, 'Should I wear a different color?'

"That way no one is confused on either side ... defensive guys seeing their color on offense," Matlock added. "It was brought up, didn't think much of it, came [up] with gray and here we are."

Matlock, donning his gray jersey, has been full go throughout training camp as he enters his second year occupying a role on both sides of the ball plus special teams.

It was a role that he was approached with and took over in the middle of last year’s training camp having been strictly a defensive lineman before.

Matlock took the opportunity and contributed in every way he could, finishing the regular season with 362 offensive snaps, 137 defensive snaps and 231 special teams snaps.

Adapting to the offensive side of the ball took a lot of work as he went, but having a full offseason has had a positive effect on his role.

"It was definitely a lot at once, and I think we managed it pretty well," Matlock said. "Obviously, having a full offseason, OTAs, summer, training camp was very beneficial and we hit the ground running. I'm really excited for this year.

"Just continuing to grow, we took what we did last year and building off that," Matlock added. "We're fine tuning other things and I'm trying to expand my role and do even more. I think it's been good to have a year under my belt."

The work started in the offseason when Matlock said he got a film cutup of all his plays from the 2024 season.

"Trying to see where I could grow, see where I can improve," Matlock said. "If you're not improving in this league, you're not going to go very far. Constant state of improvement every day."

The third-year player rotated days, spending one day working on offense and the next on defense throughout the offseason as he continued to chase growth not only on offense, but also in his defensive role.

But just as important as his role on the field, the offseason allowed Matlock to spend more time getting down both the offensive and defensive playbook.

"In the offseason it's more about getting your body ready for the long haul and making sure you're physically prepared," Matlock said. "Mentally, that's a strength of mine knowing the playbook on both sides.

"Obviously you have to fine tune and reinstall everything, but that was the biggest thing on my plate this year, the mental part of it," Matlock added.