Athletic Hall of Fame 2025: Matt Milner '09

Football

Matt Milner's journey at Cardinal Gibbons began as a freshman, but his impact was immediate. A versatile athlete, he excelled across multiple positions on the football field, playing as a long snapper, offensive tackle, and nose guard. His adaptability and determination helped elevate the Crusader Varsity Football team year after year.

Over his high school career, Matt earned All-Conference honors twice. As a junior, he was named Defensive Lineman of the Year and Co-Player of the Year. His leadership was further recognized in his senior year when he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Matt’s athletic contributions extended beyond football. On the Track & Field team, he set school records in Shot Put and Discus. His drive for excellence was not just personal—he also co-founded the Gibbons Weightlifting Club, inspiring others to push beyond their limits.

A standout scholar-athlete, Matt served as President of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top five percent of his class in 2009.

As a high school football player, Matt gained national recognition as one of the top athletes at the National Underclassmen Combine in Ohio. He was among Gibbons’ first actively recruited high school players and accepted a scholarship to play football at East Carolina University under head coach Skip Holtz.

At ECU, Matt became the university’s first-ever two-time All-American in football. He was also a three-time Conference USA All-Academic Team inductee, excelling both on the field and in the classroom. He made crucial tackles, blocks, and recoveries throughout his career with the Pirates while pursuing a degree in applied physics. His academic achievements earned him multiple honors, including induction into the American Chemistry Society. He was a consistent presence on the ECU Chancellor's List and a three-time recipient of the prestigious Jerry T. Brooks Award, recognizing the team’s top academic performer. Additionally, he received the Conference USA Academic Medal three times for maintaining a 3.75 GPA or higher.

Perhaps most inspiring is Matt’s resilience. Throughout his athletic career, he has managed Type 1 Diabetes, making his achievements even more remarkable. His story has been featured on national television, motivating countless athletes to persevere in the face of adversity.

Matt Milner’s story is one of excellence—on the field, in the classroom, and as a leader. His time at Cardinal Gibbons laid the foundation for a career that continues to inspire many.