Brief Introduction of Yetur Gross Matos
Yetur Akkub Gross-Matos is a prominent American football defensive end who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He rose to prominence during his collegiate career at Penn State University, where his exceptional performance as a defensive lineman earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2018 and 2019. Selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Gross-Matos quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the defensive line. Known for his explosive athleticism and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to disrupt offenses and make impactful plays. After four seasons with the Panthers, he signed a significant two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, continuing his promising career at the highest level of professional football. His journey is one of resilience, having overcome significant personal tragedies to achieve success in the competitive world of the NFL.
Yetur Gross Matos Overview
| Full Name | Yetur Akkub Gross-Matos |
| Date of Birth | February 26, 1998 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Profession | American Football Defensive End |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Mother: Sakinah Gross-Matos, Adoptive Father: Robert Matos |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be several million dollars based on career earnings. |
Early Life and Education of Yetur Gross Matos
Yetur Gross-Matos was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and later moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he was raised. His early life was marked by profound tragedy. At the age of two, his biological father, Michael Gross, drowned while saving Yetur after he fell off a boat. He has no memory of this event but has spoken about the survivor’s guilt he felt growing up. Another devastating loss occurred when he was 10 years old; his older brother, Chelal, was tragically struck and killed by lightning while they were playing baseball. These experiences forged a deep sense of resilience and a strong family bond. His mother, Sakinah, later married Robert Matos, who adopted Yetur and his siblings. Gross-Matos considers Robert his father in every sense of the word, crediting him as a guiding force and superhero in his life. His first name, Yetur, is a biblical name from the Old Testament meaning “surrounded by family,” a fitting description of his life. Gross-Matos attended Chancellor High School in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Initially, he wasn’t a standout football player, but with the support of his family, particularly his father who invested in a trainer, he developed his skills. He grew into a formidable 6-foot-5, 240-pound four-star recruit, recording 37 sacks during his high school career. His impressive performance on the field led to him committing to play college football at Pennsylvania State University.
Yetur Gross Matos’s Career
Yetur Gross-Matos embarked on a highly successful collegiate career at Penn State University from 2017 to 2019. As a true freshman in 2017, he played in all 13 games, recording 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His sophomore year in 2018 was a breakout season; he started all 13 games and amassed 54 tackles and eight sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. He continued his dominant play into his junior year in 2019, finishing with 14 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, once again being named first-team All-Big Ten. Following his stellar junior season, Gross-Matos decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. His collegiate career totals included 111 tackles, 19.0 sacks, and 37.0 tackles for loss. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 38th overall pick, the second defensive end taken after Chase Young. In his rookie season, he recorded his first career sack, a strip-sack on Kyler Murray, in a win against the Arizona Cardinals. His rookie year was interrupted by an ankle injury that placed him on injured reserve for a period. Over his four seasons with the Panthers (2020-2023), he appeared in 55 games, starting 32 of them, and registered 142 tackles and 13.0 sacks. In 2023, he transitioned to an outside linebacker role in a new defensive scheme and recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks. In March 2024, Gross-Matos signed a lucrative two-year, $18 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This move marked a new chapter in his career, joining a team with a formidable defensive line. He has continued to be an impactful player for the 49ers.
Yetur Gross Matos Personal Life & Family
Yetur Gross-Matos’s personal life is a testament to the strength of family in the face of adversity. He has an incredibly close bond with his mother, Sakinah Gross-Matos, and his adoptive father, Robert Matos. He has expressed deep gratitude for Robert, who chose to become his father and has been a constant source of support throughout his life. The family, who refer to themselves as “Team Matos,” has navigated unimaginable loss together. The death of his biological father, Michael Gross, when Yetur was just two, and the death of his older brother, Chelal, when Yetur was ten, have profoundly shaped his perspective on life and the importance of family. He has his brother’s name tattooed on his arm as a tribute. Gross-Matos has an older sister and a younger brother and sister, who are among his biggest supporters. He is known to be a thoughtful and dedicated son and brother. Outside of football, he has a keen interest in information technology and enjoys building PCs, a hobby sparked by his love for video games. He goes by the nickname ‘Yee.’ Information about his marital status or romantic relationships is not publicly available.
Awards and Achievements of Yetur Gross Matos
- First-team All-Big Ten (2018, 2019)
- NFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 14, 2024)
- Ted Hendricks Award Finalist (2019)
- Phil Steele All-America third team (2019)
- Sporting News Midseason All-American (2019)
Yetur Gross Matos Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Yetur Gross-Matos’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions, largely due to his earnings as a professional football player. In March 2024, he signed a significant two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers worth $18 million. This deal included a signing bonus of $8.265 million and $12.39 million in total guarantees. His average annual salary under this contract is $9 million. For the 2025 season, Gross-Matos is set to earn a base salary of $7,390,000 and a workout bonus of $100,000, carrying a cap hit of $9,473,000 for the 49ers. His career earnings leading up to the 2025 season are substantial, reflecting his status as a high-value player in the NFL. The structure of his contract with the 49ers also includes three void years for salary cap purposes, indicating a sophisticated financial arrangement. His income is primarily derived from his NFL salary, signing bonuses, and potential performance-based incentives.
Legacy and Influence
Yetur Gross-Matos’s legacy is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact both on and off the field. His story of overcoming immense personal tragedy to reach the pinnacle of professional sports is a source of inspiration. He has used his experiences not as a crutch, but as a source of motivation to provide a better life for his family. On the field, he is recognized for his explosive athleticism and versatility as a defensive lineman. His ability to effectively play against both the run and the pass makes him a valuable asset to any defense. During his time with the Carolina Panthers, he evolved from a promising rookie into a well-rounded and key role player on the defensive line. His move to the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 further solidified his reputation as a sought-after talent, joining one of the league’s premier defensive units. His work ethic and dedication to his craft serve as an example for younger players. The name “Yetur,” meaning “surrounded by family,” perfectly encapsulates his journey and the foundation upon which he has built his successful career.
Interesting Facts about Yetur Gross Matos
- His first name, Yetur, is a biblical name from the Old Testament meaning “surrounded by family.”
- When he was two years old, his biological father died while saving him from drowning after they both fell off a boat.
- At age ten, his older brother Chelal was tragically killed by a lightning strike.
- He was the second defensive end selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, after number two overall pick Chase Young.
- His first career NFL sack was a strip-sack against Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
- He is an avid video game player and has an interest in information technology and building computers.
- He goes by the nickname ‘Yee’.
- His adoptive father, Robert Matos, is considered a “superhero” by the family for his role in helping them navigate through tragedy.
Controversies
There are no publicly documented controversies involving Yetur Gross-Matos.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Yetur Gross Matos
Yetur Gross-Matos’s journey in the NFL is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and the power of family. As a key member of the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive line, he continues to build on the strong foundation he established at Penn State and with the Carolina Panthers. His career is characterized by consistent growth, from a raw but promising prospect to a versatile and impactful defensive force. Looking ahead, Gross-Matos is poised to remain a significant contributor to his team’s success, with his prime years still ahead of him. His story extends beyond the gridiron, serving as a powerful reminder of how to turn profound loss into a driving force for achievement. The resilience he has shown throughout his life is mirrored in his relentless play style, making him a respected figure in the league. As he continues his career, Yetur Gross-Matos is not just playing for personal accolades but for the family that has surrounded and supported him through every step of his remarkable journey.
