Scott Matlock has serious game—both on the football field and in digital gaming arenas. But it’s his big heart that stood out last week when he used his unique platform as a former Idaho foster youth, rising NFL star, and passionate gamer to inspire local   foster kids in downtown Boise. 

Student athletes with Boise State Esports hosted an event at their downtown arena Thursday, April 17, where dozens of youth in foster care and their families were able to tour the world-class gaming facility, meet Matlock, and play videogames with him and members of Boise State’s varsity Esports team. 

“Now that I’m in the league, I want to use my platform to help people who were in my shoes,” he said. “It’s really cool to be able to do that now.”

Throughout the day, Matlock offered high fives and fist bumps, signed autographs on everything from t-shirts to footballs, and played family-friendly games like ‘Fall Guys” with foster youth. He even squared off against Boise State’s varsity squad in a few competitive rounds of League of Legends.

He also gave a heartfelt and fun 30-minute interview on Boise State’s Twitch feed, sharing insights about being raised in foster care, playing football for Boise State, and, of course, his passion for gaming.

Matlock, who grew up in foster care in Idaho, started playing football in high school and quickly discovered that his 6-foot, 4-inch frame, innate skill, and dogged work ethic were suited to sports, and the gridiron in particular. He went on to play for the Boise State Broncos and, since 2023 the Los Angeles Chargers where he’s become one of the NFL’s only players working on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

During his interview with Boise State Esports host Jacob Palmer, Matlock shared personal stories about growing up in foster care, advice for youth in the system today, football memories from the blue turf, and his favorite gaming moments—mixing humor with heartfelt reflections.

In a poignant moment, Palmer asked Matlock what advice he had for foster youth who were there in the room with him.

“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark it may seem,” Matlock said. “There was always light for me that I saw at the end of the tunnel. I just stayed the course and focused on the things that matter right now which was growing up, being a kid, going to school, making friends.

“I had a lot of people helping me, keeping me on the right track and the right path, so definitely this (being in foster care) is not the end all, be all.”

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.