In high school, Matthew Colburn was a state championship running back and South Carolina’s Mr. Football at Dutch Fork High School.

He’s now added USFL Sportsman of the Year honors to his resume. The Philadelphia Stars’ running back received the honor prior to his team’s North Division final matchup versus the New Jersey Generals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. 

"To be in Canton at the Hall of Fame and to be playing for a shot to win the USFL Championship is a dream come true," Colburn said in a press release. "We saw the busts of Walter Payton and so many others who are not only legends for how they played, they also made a difference in people's lives — that’s what I aspire to. 

“For me personally, helping kids is important, so I was able to participate in USFL-sponsored events that served our neighbors around the Birmingham region. I’m proud to be part of a league that emphasizes community outreach and I’m honored to be named USFL Sportsman of the Year."

The award recognizes the player who has best-exhibited excellence on the field and leadership to the community off the field. 

Colburn led several volunteer opportunities organized by the USFL in Birmingham, Ala. He worked with more than 250 kids at a Youth Football Skills Clinic to help develop the leaders of tomorrow. 

In addition, Colburn visited two elementary schools where he read to students and shared encouraging messages. Most recently, Colburn attended a "fishing rodeo" where he played football with kids and their families.

"I am the eldest of six, so I am motivated to be the best role model and big brother that I can to my little brothers and baby sister," Colburn said. "That same motivation applies when I am out in the community helping kids. 

"There’s always an eye in the sky, always someone watching you, always someone looking up to you. I remember when I was a kid and how much it meant to me when football players would spend time with me and my peers. I believe it is my duty to give back, not as an obligation but rather the understanding that I too was once that little kid who cherished when athletes would volunteer their time to be with us. Every kid deserves that and I want to show them as if they were one of my siblings."

The Stars reached the  USFL championship game where it lost 33-30 to the Birmingham Stallions Sunday. Colburn played a big role in Philadelphia’s second-half turnaround with more than 400 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns the last five regular-season games.

"Matt leads by example in everything he does," Philadelphia Stars coach Bart Andrus said. "Even though he was sidelined by an injury early in the season, he battled through it, came back to our starting lineup, and has been one of the best players in the USFL. He’s always willing to take Show-Team reps in practice for our defense, something that speaks to his unselfish brand of leadership. On or off the field, Matt's actions define him as a generous man of determination and commitment. He's earned this recognition and I’m proud to have him on our team."