Clay Matthews – It’s All in the Family

Clay Matthews, a player for the Green Bay Packer, carries the family name in the NFL. There is a long football history 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 greatest offensive linemen in NFL history and played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise from 1983 to 2001. Clay Matthews III is currently a 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 aspiring 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

You’d think the pressure to perform coming from such a famous lineage would intimidate some players. Not so with Clay Matthews III! Fully embrace his soccer heritage and use the wisdom of his family members who have walked the road before him to improve his game. In a recent interview with Bob Costas, Clay was asked if his family members criticized his performance. Clay responded, “All the time, all the time, if you’re part of the Matthews family, it’s hard to grow 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 where I am and why I’m here and they improve me…I’m going to keep looking to them for guidance.” Pressure from other players can be a motivating tool, as NBC Sports’ Andrea Kremer 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 name pressure, 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 strange twist of fate is that they have/were the same strength and conditioning coach, Dave Redding.

By all accounts, the Matthews family seems very close and dedicated to family as well as their beloved game. Clay Matthews III has finally come true after a lot of hard work and determination.