Sam Bradford Praises John Mateer At Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Sam Bradford was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City on Monday night alongside gymnastics coach K.J. Kindler and former linebacker Rod Shoate.

While the night was about celebrating their careers, Bradford took time to talk about the current Oklahoma quarterback and what he’s seen from John Mateer.

Bradford sounded genuinely enthusiastic about what Mateer and the Sooners can do this fall.

"I'm really excited. I think they're really gonna have a good chance to build on what they were able to do last year. I think John is going to be able to come into this season playing with a lot of confidence. I think they've got some weapons around him. I'm really excited to watch him this fall," Bradford told News 9.

Bradford's endorsement of Mateer carries weight. He knows what it takes to play quarterback at Oklahoma and succeed at a high level. The former Heisman winner and Mateer spent a good amount of time together this offseason.

Bradford reached out first, inviting Mateer to dinner after the 2025 season. What started as a casual connection turned into regular film sessions. The two worked through January, February, and March breaking down tape, focusing on pre-snap reads and recognizing defenses.

Bradford also helped Mateer with some mechanical adjustments in his throwing motion. He even showed up at Oklahoma’s Pro Day in March to check on the progress in person.

That kind of mentorship from a former No. 1 overall draft pick is valuable. Bradford still ranks among the most prolific passers in program history. From 2007 to 2009 he threw for 8,403 yards and 88 touchdowns. In 2008 he won the Heisman, the Davey O’Brien Award, and led an offense that scored a then-NCAA record 716 points. He knows the pressure that comes with the position in Norman and what it takes to prepare the right way.

Bradford’s comments about Mateer having confidence and weapons around him line up with what a lot of people are saying heading into the season. Mateer is healthy again after the thumb injury that slowed him down last year. The skill positions look deeper, and the hope is that the offensive line and run game take a step forward. Having a former Sooner great in his corner this offseason can only help.

The rest of the induction class was strong too. K.J. Kindler has turned Oklahoma gymnastics into a dynasty, winning eight national titles since taking over in 2006. Her teams have been a model of consistency and excellence.

Rod Shoate was one of the best linebackers in program history, a three-time All-American who helped the Sooners win a national title in 1974 and later earned a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame continues to do a good job recognizing the people who have represented the state well in sports. Bradford’s induction was well deserved, and the fact that he used part of the night to talk up Mateer shows how connected former players still are to the program.

Hearing Bradford speak positively about the current quarterback is an encouraging sign. The two spent real time working together this offseason, and Bradford clearly likes what he sees.

If Mateer can stay healthy and play with the confidence Bradford mentioned, this offense has a chance to take another step forward. The former Heisman winner will be watching closely this fall.