Ryan Mathews finds open running space in the first quarter. He had 67 yards on 13 carries and two catches for 5 yards on the evening. Sean M. Haffey • U-T


Mathews, 25, is teaming up with friends to launch the BodyFly, a 24-inch wide, 5-inch thick octagon that is essentially a portable fly machine. The group has a prototype that cost $30,000, and plans to begin a Kickstarter campaign to help get it mass produced. This is Mathews’ first foray into product representation. He said he’s often approached by people who ask him to invest in their idea. The difference this time is that he agreed.

“It’s hard to count how many times I’ve had people come up to me,” Mathews said. “This was more so about me and my friends. We sat there and we thought of something and we’re putting our minds to it, and I really believe in the product.”

Mathews said the BodyFly would be rolled out in San Diego before it goes to other parts of the country.

BodyFly— Sean M. Haffey
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The price isn’t yet set, but it is scheduled to come in two forms: A 20-pound plastic-base version and a roughly 50-pound aluminum-base version, called the pro model. Mathews said the idea for the BodyFly came up after his friend, Kareem Smith, a Navy petty officer 2nd class, told friends that he had to wait to use fitness equipment while on ships. This portable device would allow him to get some workouts in on his own time.

Mathews talked to the U-T between training-camp practices earlier this month about how the new business fits into his long-term plans. His answers have been edited for length.

Q: What’s the difference between endorsing a product and investing in one?

A: When you put your own money into it, you pay a lot more attention to detail, you want to know what’s going into it. You want to know everything.

Q: Does the NFL offer classes about financial responsibility? How does this fit in?

A: They do, and I actually got a very good financial planner. He keeps me straight on the money, and I told him about this project and what I wanted to do with it and everything, and he was on board.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

A: In 20 years, just doing whatever I can do to keep making money, being in the fitness industry, fit, and in shape. Obviously, my career is not going to be able to last that long playing running back in this game. It would be great, if this kicks off, to fall back on, just to take control of it and keep building it and making the product better and better and better.

Members of the company that is marketing Bodyfly are (left to right) Andrei Carnes (CEO) Kareem Smith (inventor) and Seyi Ajirotutu as they show how to use the new exercise product called Bodyfly. Chargers running back Ryan Matthews is part of the team manufacturing this product.— Sean M. Haffey
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Q: You injured both of your shoulders last season. Does this machine help with that part of your body? Did that influence your decision to invest in it?

A: It can strengthen shoulder muscles, and I was thinking about it while rehabbing. It’s been a perfect rehab machine for me, just being able to do all the motions with light weight and light resistance, and then move up in weight. It has been the perfect thing for me to get back right.

Q: Does this venture teach you lessons for the long-term after your playing career?

A: I think it can. It teaches you lessons of business and being able to strategically plan different attacks to different angles. Being able to have this as my first one and putting money into it, it’s different. I’m honestly enjoying it.

Q:You’re going to be busy over the next few months. What’s your involvement going to be like during the NFL season?

A: Every chance I get, I always ask what’s going on today or what’s the next step, and I’m always just trying to stay in the loop.

Q: How much money do you think you’ll be investing in the BodyFly?

A: I don’t know. I’m all in, so whatever it takes. I really believe in this product.

Ryan Mathews

Ryan Mathews

Position: Running back, San Diego Chargers

Age: 25

College: Fresno State University

Contract: Signed a five-year contract with Chargers in 2010. Mathews made $16.25 million in the first three years, and is due $1.195 million this year and $1.478 million next year.

Product: BodyFly currently in prototype, made by Leardon Solutions of San Diego

BodyFly investors: Andrei Carnes, chief executive officer; Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kareem Smith, inventor; Bobby Lepori, former Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle; Ryan Mathews, Chargers running back; Seyi Ajirotutu, former Chargers wide receiver, now a free agent