Green Bay Packer player Clay Matthews carries the family name in the NFL. There is a long history of football in the Matthews family dating back to Clay Matthews, Sr, who was an offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s. His son Clay Matthew, Jr was a linebacker who played for the Cleveland Browns. and the Atlanta Falcons. Clay Jr.’s brother, Bruce Matthews, was one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history and played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise from 1983 to 2001. Clay Matthews III currently plays linebacker for the Greens Bay Packers and could very well be on track for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Clay III also has a younger brother, Casey, who is also aiming for NFL status. Casey currently plays linebacker for the University of Oregon.
Brothers Clay and Bruce, Clay III and his brother Kyle attended the University of Southern California. Although Clay III entered USC as a student-athlete, he was awarded a full athletic scholarship in 2006. He was awarded USC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007 and USC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year. in 2008, making him the only player in USC history to receive three consecutive Special Teams Player of the Year awards
One would think that the pressure to perform coming from such a famous lineage would intimidate some players. Not so with Clay Matthews III! He fully embraces his football heritage and uses the wisdom of his family members who have walked the path before him to improve his game. In a recent interview with Bob Costas, Clay was asked if his family members criticized his acting. Clay responded, “All the time, all the time, if you’re part of the Matthews family, it’s hard growing up. They let you know what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.” They’ve been very instrumental in who I am and why I’m here and they make me better… I’m going to keep looking to them for guidance.” Pressure from other players can be a motivational tool, as Andrea Kremer of NBC Sports reported that Clay III had this to say: “The players gave me a lot of complaints about being a Matthews, but he really pushed me. It became one of many motivational tools. There’s a lot of pressure from the name, but it’s no worse than the pressure I put on myself.”
Clay III and his father share not only the DNA that makes them the athletes they are, but they also share the honor of being the only father and son to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Week. Another weird twist of fate is that they have/had the same strength and conditioning coach, Dave Redding.
By all accounts, the Matthews family seems very close-knit and dedicated to the family as well as their beloved game. Clay Matthews III has finally come to fruition after much hard work and determination.