Super Bowl Champion Ira Matthews Returns to Rockford

Former Oakland Raider Ira Matthews and Rockford East High grad stopped by the 97ZOK studios to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl with his hometown.

As an East High School E-Rab, Ira Matthews and his teammates never lost a high school football game. For four-consecutive years, from freshman year until graduation, 1970-1974, the E-Rabs were undefeated. Ira went on to play football for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1979.

For the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, the NFL is honoring schools across the country that have graduated a player or a coach who's appeared in the big game. Ira returned to Rockford to present East High School with a commemorative golden football.

Ira also had his Super Bowl Ring. When I asked if I could try it on, he said, "yep... for 20 bucks!"

Growing up Madison, Wisconsin, I spent many Saturday's at Camp Randall stadium watching UW Badger football games. The way he ran those kickoffs back, you never wanted to get to your seat late. He still holds a Raider record for kickoff returns.

Ira told us many stories, but it was the story I shared with him that seemed to touch his heart most.

BONUS VIDEO