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Overview
Clay Matthews III is a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, who selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Matthews, the son of former NFL player Clay Matthews Jr., played four seasons at USC after walking on to the program. He is listed at 6-feet, 3-inches and 240 pounds.
Prep Career
Matthews played high school football at Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, CA. He chose to walk on at USC, where his father and uncle both played college football.
College Career
After redshirting in 2004, Matthews saw action in 12 games as a reserve in 2005. He earned a scholarship for the 2006 season, and continued to see action as a reserve through 2007. In his first three seasons at USC, Matthews recorded 40 total tackles. Matthews moved into the starting lineup for the 2008 season. He played all 13 games for the Trojans, finishing with 56 total tackles (9.0 for loss), good for fourth on the team. His 4.5 sacks were tied for the second-most among USC players.
NFL Career
Matthews was selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, becoming the third member of his family to be a first-round draft pick. One day before the start of training camp, Matthews signed a five-year/$13.275M contract with Green Bay. The contract includes $7.1M in guaranteed money.
Matthews earned Rookie of the Week honors in Week 6, recording 2.0 sacks against the Detroit Lions. He earned the award again in Week 10, recovering two fumbles against the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 13, Matthews earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, recording six total tackles, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble in a win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Matthews finished his rookie season with 51 total tackles and 10.0 sacks, a Packers rookie record. He was added to the 2010 Pro Bowl roster, replacing Bears LB Lance Briggs.
Matthews earned Rookie of the Week honors in Week 6, recording 2.0 sacks against the Detroit Lions. He earned the award again in Week 10, recovering two fumbles against the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 13, Matthews earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, recording six total tackles, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble in a win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Matthews finished his rookie season with 51 total tackles and 10.0 sacks, a Packers rookie record. He was added to the 2010 Pro Bowl roster, replacing Bears LB Lance Briggs.
Personal
Matthews's father is Clay Matthews Jr., who played 19 seasons in the NFL and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. His grandfather, Clay Matthews Sr., played four seasons in the NFL with the 49ers. His uncle, Bruce Matthews, played 19 seasons with the Oilers/Titans franchise and was named to the Pro Bowl 14 times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Clay Matthews III also has two brothers who have played college football. His older brother, Kyle, played at USC from 2000-03, and his younger brother, Casey, is a linebacker at Oregon.
Clay Matthews III also has two brothers who have played college football. His older brother, Kyle, played at USC from 2000-03, and his younger brother, Casey, is a linebacker at Oregon.
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