As a junior in 2012, Matthews was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection in recognition of his successful season.

[3] He also received first-team All-American honors by the Football Writers Association of America.

In his first NFL game, Matthews suffered a high ankle sprain in a season-opening win against the Saints.

[13] In the 2016 season, Matthews and the Falcons reached Super Bowl LI, where they faced the New England Patriots.

In the Super Bowl, Matthews played every offensive snap, as the Falcons lost in overtime to the Patriots, 34–28, giving up a 28–3 lead.

[citation needed] On April 25, 2017, the Falcons picked up the fifth-year option on Matthews' contract.

[16] On January 23, 2019, Matthews was named to his first Pro Bowl, as a replacement for Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams.

[18] By the end of November 2022, Matthews started 138 consecutive regular season games, the longest active streak for a left tackle in the NFL.