Articular cartilage is formed by a load-bearing extracellular matrix (ECM) rich in collagen and proteoglycans with sparsely embedded chondrocyte cells. The thin pericellular matrix (PCM) that surrounds each chondrocyte acts as a mechanical connector between chondrocytes and the ECM. Findings from this study revealed a sex-specific abundance of some ECM and PCM proteins that could help explain sex differences in cartilage mechanical properties.