• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Browns Nation

Browns News. Rumors. Highlights. Now

  • Home
  • News
  • Free Agents
  • Draft
  • Podcast
  • History
  • All-Time Lists
  • Team
    • Shop
    • Schedule
  • About
You are here: Home / Daily News / Clay Matthews III Has A Message To HOF Voters About His Dad

Clay Matthews III Has A Message To HOF Voters About His Dad

By Wendi Oliveros January 20, 2021 @WendiOliveros1

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) looks on during the NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 10, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
(Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire)

 

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Clay Matthews III is doing what any good son would do.

He is pleading on behalf of his father Clay Matthews Jr., former Cleveland Browns linebacker, to the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters.

Matthews Jr. is in his final year of eligibility as a modern era finalist for the HOF.

Just a reminder that Clay Matthews, Jr is a HOFer in every way possible save the one that counts in Canton. pic.twitter.com/UBOfIjG30n

— Rod BLuhM #D4L (@CLERodB) March 6, 2020

 

What Clay Matthews III Said

 

Matthews III made his pleas on behalf of his father on the day that the selection committee was scheduled to meet.

This is my dad’s last year as a modern era finalist for the HOF. I ask that all media voting tomorrow dive deeper into his career and you’ll see his enshrinement is long overdue.

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) January 19, 2021

He didn’t stop there.

Matthews III continued to make the case for his dad.

The most important qualities discussed about those eligible for the HOF are:

– Peak Performance ✅
– Impact ✅
– Longevity ✅
– Overall Value ✅

You CANNOT talk about my dad’s career without touching on each and every quality.

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) January 19, 2021

His numbers are as good, if not better, than so many current, and deserving, members of the HOF. His longevity is unheard of. And his ability to do it all made him invaluable.

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) January 19, 2021

And his closing argument was:

“The words spoken about his play from so many of his peers, many of whom are currently in the HOF, only strengthen his resume. Clay Matthews Jr. deserves to be in the HOF!”

The words spoken about his play from so many of his peers, many of whom are currently in the HOF, only strengthen his resume.

Clay Matthews Jr. deserves to be in the HOF!

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) January 19, 2021

 

Crowded Class

 

There are 15 modern-era player finalists including:

  1. Jared Allen
  2. Ronde Barber
  3. Tony Boselli
  4. Leroy Butler
  5. Alan Faneca
  6. Torry Holt
  7. Calvin Johnson
  8. John Lynch
  9. Peyton Manning
  10. Clay Matthews Jr.
  11. Sam Mills
  12. Richard Seymour
  13. Zach Thomas
  14. Reggie Wayne
  15. Charles Woodson

The committee selecting the finalists met on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 for nearly nine hours to make their final selections.

Only the committee knows which 10 players will be enshrined.

Candidates will be notified the day before the Super Bowl on February 6, 2021.

 

Clay Matthews Jr. Stats

 

Over a 19 year career with the Browns and the Atlanta Falcons spanning from 1978 to 1996, Clay Matthews Jr. played in 278 games.

He had 16 career interceptions resulting in 1 TD.

Matthews Jr. also had 27 forced fumbles that resulted in 1 TD.

He also amassed 1,595 combo tackles.

All of these accomplishments occurred during the backdrop of two strike-shortened seasons in 1982 and 1987 that hindered his numbers.

He was selected for four Pro Bowls, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1989, and he appeared in 11 playoff games.

The fact that Matthews Jr. made the finalist list on his 20th and final year of eligibility implies that the odds are stacked against him being selected.

Nevertheless, Matthews Jr., reluctant to talk about his candidacy, said this in early January.

“I think if you look at the breath of the work that I did.  I came in at a time when outside linebackers were not used to rush the passer. I can remember covering backs who were coming out of the backfield … specifically, I remember Don McCauley from the Colts was a tremendous talent coming out of the backfield … and I did that for about 11, 12 years…Then I moved out and became an edge rusher. Then, let me see, I was a right outside linebacker. Then they moved me to left outside linebacker. Then, later on in my career, I played inside linebacker. Down on the goal line I was a cornerback. So, over 19 years, if you had a need, they could move me in there. And, generally, I’d like to think I held my own … or more than held my own … with all those different jobs.”

Recent News

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) returns a punt during the third quarter of the National Football League game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on September 20, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Cleveland defeated New York 21-17.
Kevin Stefanski Thinks OBJ, Jarvis Landry Will Be Back In 2021
cleveland browns team records
Browns WR Ryan Switzer’s Son Hospitalized With COVID-19
New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) in action during a game between the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints on November 01, 2020 at Soldier Stadium, in Chicago, IL.
Should The Browns Pursue DE Trey Hendrickson?

Filed Under: Daily NewsTagged With: Cleveland Browns

About Wendi Oliveros

Wendi Oliveros, a Pennsylvania native, is a freelance writer and avid sports fan. She realized at a young age that she was a much better spectator than participant, As a result, she has spent her entire life watching sports. In addition to football, Wendi's favorite sports are professional tennis and baseball.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Primary Sidebar

Search Browns Nation

Trending News

Footer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

 

Join Our Newsletter

Contact Us

 

Follow us

Copyright © 2021 · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Brownsnation.com

Copyright © 2020 · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BrownsNation.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Browns or the National Football League