- One of the most dynamic, impactful and versatile defenders in the NFL, he became the first Packer since RB John Brockington (1971-73) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first three seasons in the league.
- Is the only player in franchise history to score a defensive TD (interception or fumble return) in each of his first three seasons in the league.
- Named first-team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010, the first Green Bay LB to earn that honor since Tim Harris in 1989. Finished second to Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2010.
- Entered Southern California as a walk-on linebacker in 2004 and finished his career by earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors as a senior in 2008.
- Father, Clay Jr., played linebacker for 19 seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns (1978-93) and Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), and his grandfather, Clay Sr., played defensive end for four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (1950, ’53-55).
- When Clay took the field for the first time with the Packers in the ’09 opener, the Matthews family became only the second one with three generations of NFL players, joining the Pynes (George Pyne Jr., George Pyne III and Jim Pyne).
Pro Highlights:
- Became the first Packer since RB John Brockington (1971-73) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, and has been voted a starter each of the last two years.
- Started all 15 games in which he played for the second consecutive season in 2011, finishing with 69 tackles (49 solo), six sacks and three forced fumbles.
- Also showed the diversity and development of his skill set in his third season, setting new career highs with three interceptions and nine passes defensed. The INT total was tied for the most by a Green Bay LB since 1984.
- Scored a touchdown on a fumble return in 2009 and returned interceptions for TDs in both 2010 and 2011, becoming the first player in franchise history to score a defensive TD in each of his first three seasons in the league.
- For his career, has played in 46 games with 43 starts in three seasons, registering 210 tackles (146 solo), 29½ sacks, four interceptions, 19 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
- At the conclusion of 2011, his 29½ career sacks tied Tony Bennett’s franchise record for the most sacks by a Packer in his first three seasons in the NFL.
- Named first-team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010, the first Green Bay LB to earn that honor since Tim Harris in 1989. Finished second to Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting in ’10.
- Was voted the 2010 NFL Defensive MVP by Pro Football Weekly and Defensive Player of the Year by Sporting News, while also earning NFC Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Committee of 101.
- Finished fourth in the NFL with 13½ sacks in 2010, adding a career-high 83 tackles (55 solo), and helped the Packers rank tied for No. 2 in the NFL with 47 sacks as a team, Green Bay’s highest finish in the category since sacks began to be recorded as a team stat in 1963.
- Added a franchise single-postseason record 3½ sacks in the 2010 playoffs, and his career playoff total of 4½ sacks already ranks No. 2 in team history behind Hall of Fame DE Reggie White (eight). Also became the first Packer to record a sack in each of his first three playoff contests.
- Became the only Packer (since 1982) to record a
double-digit sack total in each of his first two seasons in the league.
- Only NFL player to post 10-plus sacks and a defensive TD in each of his first two seasons in the league.
- Burst onto the scene in 2009 with a franchise rookie-record 10 sacks, becoming the first Packers rookie since WR James Lofton in 1978 to be selected to the Pro Bowl.
- Was selected to the Pro Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie team, earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors twice (Weeks 6 and 10), and finished third in the AP’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
- His 17 sacks in his first 20 games were the most by an NFL player to start a career, topping the previous mark of 16½ set by San Diego’s Leslie O’Neal (1986, 1988) and the N.Y. Jets’ John Abraham (2000-01).
- Rookie campaign got off to a slow start when a hamstring injury sidelined him for the first three preseason games, but went on to play in all 16 regular-season games and the team’s playoff contest in 2009.
- Became the first player GM Ted Thompson moved up into the first round to select in the 10 drafts he had run to that point (five each with Seattle and Green Bay). The Packers acquired the pick from the Patriots, along with a fifth-round pick (No. 162 overall), in exchange for Green Bay’s second-round choice (No. 41 overall) and two third-round selections (Nos. 73 and 83).
2011 SEASON: Voted a Pro Bowl starter for the NFC for the second consecutive season and became the first Packer since Brockington (1971-73) to be named to the all-star game in each of his first three seasons in the NFL…Was again one of two OLBs to earn All-NFC honors from Pro Football Weekly/PFWA…Started each of the first 15 games before being rested in the regular-season finale with the No. 1 seed in the playoffs secured…For the season, tallied 69 tackles (49 solo), six sacks and three forced fumbles…Marked his third straight season leading the team in sacks and despite the lower total, his combined 38½ QB knockdowns and hurries still ranked No. 4 in the NFL according to STATS LLC…Also showed continued development in pass coverage, registering new career highs with nine passes defensed and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a TD…The TD return came at the N.Y. Giants in Week 13 when he intercepted QB Eli Manning and raced 38 yards down the sideline, becoming the first player in franchise history to score a defensive TD in each of his first three seasons in the league…Also joined Miami’s Kevin Burnett as the only two NFL LBs to return an interception for a TD in each of the last two seasons…Vs. New Orleans (Sept. 8): Recorded five tackles (three solo, one for loss), and was an integral part of a short-yardage defensive stand to help preserve a victory in the season opener for the second consecutive year. On the game’s final play, got clear of T Charles Brown and fought off a block from TE David Thomas to lay the initial hit on RB Mark Ingram at the goal line as time expired to preserve the 42-34 win…Vs. St. Louis (Oct. 16): Credited with two tackles (one solo), a career-high three passes defensed and his second sack of the season in the team’s 24-3 win. Recorded his first pass defensed when he dropped in coverage against TE Lance Kendricks in the first quarter. Broke hard on QB Sam Bradford’s throw and nearly intercepted the ball in the right flat, but was shoved by Kendricks at the last moment, jarring the ball out of his grasp. Registered his first sack since Week 2 on the Rams’ final drive of the game after he lined up on the inside and darted past LG Jacob Bell to drop Bradford for a 7-yard loss that resulted in a turnover on downs and allowed Green Bay to run out the remaining clock…Vs. Minnesota (Nov. 14): Posted six tackles (five solo) and a season-high two sacks, the sixth multi-sack game of his career. Sacked QB Christian Ponder on the Vikings’ opening drive of the game, also jarring the ball loose, but it was recovered by Minnesota. Second sack came in the third quarter when he ripped his way past RT Phil Loadholt and chased Ponder before slamming him down for an 11-yard loss on a drive that ended with a turnover on downs...At N.Y. Giants (Dec. 4): Had arguably his best all-around performance of the season, making the kind of game-changing plays that have defined his young career with the Packers. Finished with three tackles (two solo) and forced two turnovers with a sack-fumble and his then-career-high second INT. Became the first Packers LB since Nick Barnett in 2003 to record an INT in back-to-back games when he intercepted Manning on the first play of the second quarter, returning it 38 yards for a TD, his second career INT-TD. On the play, stepped in front of Manning’s pass intended for RB Ahmad Bradshaw in the right flat, catching the ball in stride and going untouched down the sideline to give Green Bay its first lead, 14-10. With the return, became the first player in franchise history to score a defensive TD (fumble or INT return) in each of his first three seasons in the league and tied Mike Douglass for first place in franchise history for TD returns among LBs. Later in the quarter, recorded his sixth sack of the season when he fought past RT Kareem McKenzie and hit Manning, forcing the ball out as the QB cocked his arm back to release it. NT B.J. Raji picked up the ball and upon review, it was ruled a fumble, robbing the Giants of yet another possession. With the sack, tied LB Tony Bennett’s team record for most sacks in his first three seasons with 29½…At Kansas City (Dec. 18): Matched his career high with nine tackles (six solo) and a QB hit. Stayed home on an end-around to RB Dexter McCluster in the second quarter, forcing the elusive RB to the inside where LB D.J. Smith and DE C.J. Wilson tackled him for a 1-yard loss. Also maintained close coverage on McCluster on a third-down red-zone play in the fourth quarter, tackling him at the Packers’ 2-yard line to force a FG…Vs. Chicago (Dec. 25): Once again made a series of impactful plays during the game, finishing with eight tackles (six solo, one for loss), a QB hit, a forced fumble, and added to his career high with his third INT of the season. Tackle for loss and forced fumble came when he blew up a second-quarter screen pass from QB Josh McCown to RB Kahlil Bell. On the play, had dropped in coverage but diagnosed the screen, racing forward and slipping past G Chris Spencer to hit Bell for a 3-yard loss and jar the ball loose, but it was recovered by McCown. Six plays later in the drive, he made another turnover play when he noticed FB Tyler Clutts releasing behind him into the right flat and stepped back from his rush, jumping to intercept McCown who tried to complete it to the FB, his third INT of the season…Vs. Detroit (Jan. 1): Was listed as a gameday inactive as the coaching staff chose to rest him in advance of the postseason with the team having already clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Snapped a streak of 29 consecutive starts including playoffs that dated back to Week 6 of the 2010 regular season.
2010: Appeared in 15 games, starting all of those at LOLB, along with four starts there in the postseason…Selected as a Pro Bowl starter for the first time…Named first team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010, the first Green Bay linebacker to earn that honor since Harris in 1989…Finished second to Polamalu in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting…Was named NFL Defensive MVP by Pro Football Weekly, and also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Year recognition from Sporting News and the Committee of 101…Earned All-NFC recognition from Pro Football Weekly…Led the team with 13½ sacks, which ranked No. 2 in the NFC and No. 4 in the NFL…Posted a career-high 83 tackles (55 solo), good for fourth on the team, and led the team with 40 QB hits…Added his first career INT, which he returned for a TD, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles…Led the defense with 3½ sacks in the playoffs, a franchise record for a single postseason…Added 20 tackles (18 solo), a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and a pass defensed…Didn’t play at all during the preseason due to a left hamstring injury sustained in the Family Night Scrimmage on Aug. 7…A re-aggravation of that injury would force him to miss the Week 6 contest vs. Miami…At Philadelphia (Sept. 12): Led the team with a career-high three sacks and a career-best nine tackles (eight solo). Added four QB hits, a forced fumble and a pass defensed. Dropped QB Kevin Kolb for an 8-yard loss on the Eagles’ third play, and sacked the QB once more in the second quarter, forcing a fumble that went out of bounds on third down; Kolb sustained a concussion on the play. Added a sack of QB Michael Vick in the third quarter, and then on a fourth-and-1 on the final drive of the game, dove to wrap up Vick for no gain with assistance from LBs Nick Barnett and Brad Jones to preserve the 27-20 win…Vs. Buffalo (Sept. 19): Posted his second straight three-sack game, becoming the first player in team history (since 1982) to do so. Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the performance, which included seven tackles (four solo). Set a team record for the most sacks in the first two games of a season with six. Dropped QB Trent Edwards for a 13-yard loss on third down of the Bills’ opening possession, and added two more sacks in the second half to total 33 yards in losses, the most by a Packer since White’s 35 yards on two sacks vs. Minnesota (Oct. 22, 1995)… At Washington (Oct. 10): Recorded six tackles (five solo), 1½ sacks, six QB hits and a pass defensed, but injured his left hamstring late in the third quarter and did not return. Split a 7-yard sack with NT B.J. Raji in the second quarter and dropped QB Donovan McNabb for a 2-yard loss on the Redskins’ next possession…Vs. Miami (Oct. 17): Tested his injured hamstring in pregame warm-ups after not practicing all week, but was inactive for the first time in his career…Vs. Minnesota (Oct. 24): Returned to action, playing every snap and registering six tackles (one solo), two QB hits and a pressure…At N.Y. Jets (Oct. 31): Posted five tackles (four solo), a sack, three QB hits and two pressures. Recorded a 6-yard sack of former college teammate Mark Sanchez late in the fourth quarter on third down, using a spin move inside to beat veteran T Damien Woody…Vs. Dallas (Nov. 7): Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time on the season with five tackles (three solo), a sack, three QB hits and a 62-yard TD return on his first career interception. Dropped QB Jon Kitna for an 8-yard loss early in the second quarter, giving him 10½ sacks on the season to become the first player in team history to record 10-plus sacks in each of his first two seasons. In the fourth quarter, intercepted a Kitna pass near the line after it was tipped by LB A.J. Hawk and returned it 62 yards for a TD. With the score, became first player in NFL history to post a double-digit sack total and a defensive score in each of his first two seasons in the league…Vs. N.Y. Giants (Dec. 26): Had six tackles (five solo), including one for a loss, two QB hits, three QB pressures and a forced fumble. With Green Bay holding a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter, hustled down the field after a 21-yard run by RB Brandon Jacobs to punch the ball from his arms near the sideline, a fumble that was recovered by S Nick Collins at the Green Bay 27…Vs. Chicago (Jan. 2): Recorded four tackles (three solo), a sack and two QB hurries. Sacked QB Jay Cutler for a 6-yard loss in the fourth quarter, giving him 13½ sacks for the season, the most since DE Aaron Kampman’s 15½ in 2006…At Philadelphia (NFC Wild Card, Jan. 9): Posted three tackles (all solo), a sack and four QB hits. Sacked Vick for a 12-yard loss early in the second quarter to force a punt...At Atlanta (NFC Divisional, Jan. 15): Registered a playoff career-high two sacks, along with five tackles (four solo), two QB hits and a fumble recovery. Became the first Packer since Kampman (at Philadelphia, Jan. 11, 2004) to post two sacks in a playoff game. Brought down QB Matt Ryan for a 4-yard loss on the Falcons’ second possession, and sacked him once more for a 9-yard loss late in the first half. Recovered a Ryan fumble in the fourth quarter…At Chicago (NFC Championship, Jan. 23): Recorded a postseason career-high eight tackles (six solo), two QB hits and a half-sack. Split a 5-yard sack of Cutler with DE Cullen Jenkins in the first quarter to force a punt…Vs. Pittsburgh (Super Bowl XLV, Feb. 6): Despite not recording at least a half-sack for the first time in his playoff career, made arguably the game’s most impactful play. On the first play of the fourth quarter, after diagnosing a run to his side, instructed DE Ryan Pickett to force the play to the outside. Slipped behind a block attempt by TE David Johnson to meet RB Rashard Mendenhall, hitting him high on his right side, almost directly on the ball. Jarred the ball loose before finishing the hit by taking Mendenhall to the ground. LB Desmond Bishop recovered the ball at the Green Bay 38 and rumbled 7 yards before being tackled. The Packers cashed in on the turnover with an 8-yard TD pass from QB Aaron Rodgers to WR Greg Jennings eight plays later, extending their lead to 28-17, ultimately the difference in the game. Finished the contest with four tackles (all solo), including one for a loss, two QB hits and a pass defensed.
2009: Played in all 16 games with 13 starts at ROLB, and started the team’s playoff contest…Was named to the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Packers rookie since Lofton in 1978 to earn the recognition…Was also selected to the Pro Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie team…Finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting…Led the team with 10 sacks, the most by a Packers rookie in franchise history since stat became official in 1982…Became only the second Green Bay rookie to lead the team in sacks (Harris, 1986)…His 10 sacks ranked second in the NFL among rookies behind only Washington’s Brian Orakpo (11.0)…Led the team with three fumble recoveries, which led all NFL rookies, including one he returned for a TD…Registered 58 tackles (42 solo), a forced fumble, six passes defensed, and a team-leading 35 QB hits…Sidelined for first three preseason games due to an injured hamstring that he aggravated in Aug. 6 night practice…Originally suffered hamstring injury during USC Pro Day and aggravated in May during OTAs…Vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 20): Posted the first sack of his career when he brought down QB Carson Palmer for a 9-yard loss in the second quarter…At Minnesota (Oct. 5): Started the first game of his career, opening at ROLB as team came out in nickel package. Late in the second quarter, stripped Pro Bowl RB Adrian Peterson of the ball on a rushing play and went untouched down the right sideline for a 42-yard TD; the score was the longest fumble return for a TD by a Packers rookie in franchise history…Vs. Detroit (Oct. 18): Started for the first time in Green Bay’s base defense at ROLB, and posted a season-high two sacks, the first Green Bay rookie to do so since Vonnie Holliday (Nov. 15, 1998, at N.Y. Giants). Added five tackles (four solo), and was in on two stops for a loss. Earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors, voted on by fans at NFL.com, for his performance…Vs. Dallas (Nov. 15): Recovered two fumbles to become the first Packers rookie to do so in a game since DB Val Joe Walker on Nov. 26, 1953, at Detroit. Second one came on a CB Charles Woodson sack/forced fumble of QB Tony Romo; scooped ball up at the Dallas 7 and returned 4 yards to the 3 to set up a Rodgers TD pass to TE Spencer Havner three plays later. Also posted sack of Romo in the second quarter when he beat veteran LT Flozell Adams. Earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors for the performance…At Baltimore (Dec. 7): Matched his career high with two sacks and added six tackles (all solo) and three QB hits on his way to earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition…At Pittsburgh (Dec. 20): Recorded a season-high eight tackles (six solo), two sacks, three QB hits, two pressures and a tackle for loss. Became first rookie in team history to post three two-sack games in a season, and it gave him a sack in four straight games, a team rookie record…At Arizona (NFC Wild Card, Jan. 10): Led the LBs with seven tackles (five solo) and added three QB hits and two pressures. Beat LT Jeremy Bridges off the edge to sack QB Kurt Warner on first-quarter flea-flicker; also forced a fumble on the sack, but Bridges recovered. With the Packers trailing 17-0 early in the second quarter and the Cardinals threatening again, recovered fumble by WR Larry Fitzgerald that was forced by Woodson at the Arizona 19; returned the fumble 29 yards out to Green Bay’s 48. Became first NFL rookie in playoff history (since sacks became a stat in 1982) to record a sack, a forced fumble and a defensive fumble recovery in the same game…2009 Draft: Drafted by the Packers with the second of two first-round picks (No. 26 overall), the first time Green Bay had two selections in the first round since 1993. Became the first player Thompson moved up into the first round to select in the 10 drafts he had run to that point (five each with Seattle and Green Bay). Was the third LB selected in the first round by the Packers in the last seven drafts, joining Barnett (2003) and Hawk (2006). Became the first LB ever selected out of Southern California by Green Bay in the first round.
COLLEGE: Former walk-on went on to play in four straight Rose Bowls and the 2009 Senior Bowl…Finished his career with 96 tackles, including 5½ sacks and 13½ tackles for loss in 50 games played with 10 starts…Graduated with a degree in international relations…Senior season (2008): Earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors and honorable mention All-American honors from Pro Football Weekly in his only season as a starter…Opened the final 10 games of the season as a stand-up RDE, and was available to play any of the LB positions…Played in all 13 games and registered 56 tackles, including nine for loss with 4½ sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two passes defensed and a blocked FG…Even with his increased role on defense, continued to be a valuable contributor on special teams, winning USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year Award for the third straight season…Won the Trojans’ Co-Lifter of the Year Award…Played in the Senior Bowl for the South squad…Had two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble to go along with his game-best six tackles, including a sack, at Virginia (Aug. 30)…Posted six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass defensed vs. Ohio State (Sept. 13)…Recorded five tackles and a collegiate career-high 1½ sacks at Arizona (Oct. 25)…Junior season (2007): Played in all 13 games with two starts, serving as a key backup and special-teams contributor…Won USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season…Posted 17 tackles, three for loss, two forced fumbles, one pass defensed and two blocked FGs…Registered three tackles, including one for a loss, and forced two fumbles in Rose Bowl victory vs. Illinois (Jan. 1)…Sophomore season (2006): Earned a scholarship in the fall and served as a key contributor on special teams, winning USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year Award…Was also a second-team Academic All-Pac-10 selection…Played in all 13 games and registered 15 tackles and a sack…Posted season-high four tackles and the first sack of his career at Stanford (Nov. 4)…Redshirt freshman season (2005): Played in 12 of 13 games, missing the season opener at Hawaii (Sept. 3) with a sprained elbow…Posted 12 tackles on defense and also saw time on special teams.
PERSONAL: Given name William Clay Matthews III…Born in Northridge, Calif. …Single…Comes from a football family…Father, Clay Jr., played LB in the NFL for 19 seasons with the Cleveland Browns (1978-93) and the Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), and was a four-year letterman (1974-77) at Southern California…Grandfather, Clay Sr., played DE for four seasons (1950, 53-55) with the San Francisco 49ers…His older brother, Kyle, lettered on USC’s 2003 national championship team, and younger brother, Casey, was a fourth-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011…Uncle, Bruce, played OL for 19 seasons (1983-2001) with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and currently coaches the offensive line for the Titans...Cousin, Kevin, played C at Texas A&M, and is now with the Tennessee Titans, and has two younger brothers, Jake and Mike, who are currently offensive linemen at A&M…High school: Four-year letterman at Agoura High in Agoura Hills, Calif. …Earned All-CIF first-team honors at LB as a senior in 2003…Played for father in high school as Clay Jr. was team’s defensive coordinator, but did not start until his senior year…Also played TE…Lettered two years in basketball…Community involvement: Visited with students at St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Green Bay as a reward for being one of the top donors in the in-school food drive...Hobbies/interests: Interned at NFL Network in the summer of 2006…Hobbies include watching movies, spending time with his family and hunting…His favorite TV shows are Entourage, Eastbound & Down, Game of Thrones, Modern Family and Spartacus…Residence: Agoura Hills, Calif.
- One of the most dynamic, impactful and versatile defenders in the NFL, he became the first Packer since RB John Brockington (1971-73) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first three seasons in the league.
- Is the only player in franchise history to score a defensive TD (interception or fumble return) in each of his first three seasons in the league.
- Named first-team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010, the first Green Bay LB to earn that honor since Tim Harris in 1989. Finished second to Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2010.
- Entered Southern California as a walk-on linebacker in 2004 and finished his career by earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors as a senior in 2008.
- Father, Clay Jr., played linebacker for 19 seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns (1978-93) and Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), and his grandfather, Clay Sr., played defensive end for four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (1950, ’53-55).
- When Clay took the field for the first time with the Packers in the ’09 opener, the Matthews family became only the second one with three generations of NFL players, joining the Pynes (George Pyne Jr., George Pyne III and Jim Pyne).
Pro Highlights:
- Became the first Packer since RB John Brockington (1971-73) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, and has been voted a starter each of the last two years.
- Started all 15 games in which he played for the second consecutive season in 2011, finishing with 69 tackles (49 solo), six sacks and three forced fumbles.
- Also showed the diversity and development of his skill set in his third season, setting new career highs with three interceptions and nine passes defensed. The INT total was tied for the most by a Green Bay LB since 1984.
- Scored a touchdown on a fumble return in 2009 and returned interceptions for TDs in both 2010 and 2011, becoming the first player in franchise history to score a defensive TD in each of his first three seasons in the league.
- For his career, has played in 46 games with 43 starts in three seasons, registering 210 tackles (146 solo), 29½ sacks, four interceptions, 19 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
- At the conclusion of 2011, his 29½ career sacks tied Tony Bennett’s franchise record for the most sacks by a Packer in his first three seasons in the NFL.
- Named first-team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010, the first Green Bay LB to earn that honor since Tim Harris in 1989. Finished second to Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting in ’10.
- Was voted the 2010 NFL Defensive MVP by Pro Football Weekly and Defensive Player of the Year by Sporting News, while also earning NFC Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Committee of 101.
- Finished fourth in the NFL with 13½ sacks in 2010, adding a career-high 83 tackles (55 solo), and helped the Packers rank tied for No. 2 in the NFL with 47 sacks as a team, Green Bay’s highest finish in the category since sacks began to be recorded as a team stat in 1963.
- Added a franchise single-postseason record 3½ sacks in the 2010 playoffs, and his career playoff total of 4½ sacks already ranks No. 2 in team history behind Hall of Fame DE Reggie White (eight). Also became the first Packer to record a sack in each of his first three playoff contests.
- Became the only Packer (since 1982) to record a
double-digit sack total in each of his first two seasons in the league.
- Only NFL player to post 10-plus sacks and a defensive TD in each of his first two seasons in the league.
- Burst onto the scene in 2009 with a franchise rookie-record 10 sacks, becoming the first Packers rookie since WR James Lofton in 1978 to be selected to the Pro Bowl.
- Was selected to the Pro Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie team, earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors twice (Weeks 6 and 10), and finished third in the AP’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
- His 17 sacks in his first 20 games were the most by an NFL player to start a career, topping the previous mark of 16½ set by San Diego’s Leslie O’Neal (1986, 1988) and the N.Y. Jets’ John Abraham (2000-01).
- Rookie campaign got off to a slow start when a hamstring injury sidelined him for the first three preseason games, but went on to play in all 16 regular-season games and the team’s playoff contest in 2009.
- Became the first player GM Ted Thompson moved up into the first round to select in the 10 drafts he had run to that point (five each with Seattle and Green Bay). The Packers acquired the pick from the Patriots, along with a fifth-round pick (No. 162 overall), in exchange for Green Bay’s second-round choice (No. 41 overall) and two third-round selections (Nos. 73 and 83).
2011 SEASON: Voted a Pro Bowl starter for the NFC for the second consecutive season and became the first Packer since Brockington (1971-73) to be named to the all-star game in each of his first three seasons in the NFL…Was again one of two OLBs to earn All-NFC honors from Pro Football Weekly/PFWA…Started each of the first 15 games before being rested in the regular-season finale with the No. 1 seed in the playoffs secured…For the season, tallied 69 tackles (49 solo), six sacks and three forced fumbles…Marked his third straight season leading the team in sacks and despite the lower total, his combined 38½ QB knockdowns and hurries still ranked No. 4 in the NFL according to STATS LLC…Also showed continued development in pass coverage, registering new career highs with nine passes defensed and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a TD…The TD return came at the N.Y. Giants in Week 13 when he intercepted QB Eli Manning and raced 38 yards down the sideline, becoming the first player in franchise history to score a defensive TD in each of his first three seasons in the league…Also joined Miami’s Kevin Burnett as the only two NFL LBs to return an interception for a TD in each of the last two seasons…Vs. New Orleans (Sept. 8): Recorded five tackles (three solo, one for loss), and was an integral part of a short-yardage defensive stand to help preserve a victory in the season opener for the second consecutive year. On the game’s final play, got clear of T Charles Brown and fought off a block from TE David Thomas to lay the initial hit on RB Mark Ingram at the goal line as time expired to preserve the 42-34 win…Vs. St. Louis (Oct. 16): Credited with two tackles (one solo), a career-high three passes defensed and his second sack of the season in the team’s 24-3 win. Recorded his first pass defensed when he dropped in coverage against TE Lance Kendricks in the first quarter. Broke hard on QB Sam Bradford’s throw and nearly intercepted the ball in the right flat, but was shoved by Kendricks at the last moment, jarring the ball out of his grasp. Registered his first sack since Week 2 on the Rams’ final drive of the game after he lined up on the inside and darted past LG Jacob Bell to drop Bradford for a 7-yard loss that resulted in a turnover on downs and allowed Green Bay to run out the remaining clock…Vs. Minnesota (Nov. 14): Posted six tackles (five solo) and a season-high two sacks, the sixth multi-sack game of his career. Sacked QB Christian Ponder on the Vikings’ opening drive of the game, also jarring the ball loose, but it was recovered by Minnesota. Second sack came in the third quarter when he ripped his way past RT Phil Loadholt and chased Ponder before slamming him down for an 11-yard loss on a drive that ended with a turnover on downs...At N.Y. Giants (Dec. 4): Had arguably his best all-around performance of the season, making the kind of game-changing plays that have defined his young career with the Packers. Finished with three tackles (two solo) and forced two turnovers with a sack-fumble and his then-career-high second INT. Became the first Packers LB since Nick Barnett in 2003 to record an INT in back-to-back games when he intercepted Manning on the first play of the second quarter, returning it 38 yards for a TD, his second career INT-TD. On the play, stepped in front of Manning’s pass intended for RB Ahmad Bradshaw in the right flat, catching the ball in stride and going untouched down the sideline to give Green Bay its first lead, 14-10. With the return, became the first player in franchise history to score a defensive TD (fumble or INT return) in each of his first three seasons in the league and tied Mike Douglass for first place in franchise history for TD returns among LBs. Later in the quarter, recorded his sixth sack of the season when he fought past RT Kareem McKenzie and hit Manning, forcing the ball out as the QB cocked his arm back to release it. NT B.J. Raji picked up the ball and upon review, it was ruled a fumble, robbing the Giants of yet another possession. With the sack, tied LB Tony Bennett’s team record for most sacks in his first three seasons with 29½…At Kansas City (Dec. 18): Matched his career high with nine tackles (six solo) and a QB hit. Stayed home on an end-around to RB Dexter McCluster in the second quarter, forcing the elusive RB to the inside where LB D.J. Smith and DE C.J. Wilson tackled him for a 1-yard loss. Also maintained close coverage on McCluster on a third-down red-zone play in the fourth quarter, tackling him at the Packers’ 2-yard line to force a FG…Vs. Chicago (Dec. 25): Once again made a series of impactful plays during the game, finishing with eight tackles (six solo, one for loss), a QB hit, a forced fumble, and added to his career high with his third INT of the season. Tackle for loss and forced fumble came when he blew up a second-quarter screen pass from QB Josh McCown to RB Kahlil Bell. On the play, had dropped in coverage but diagnosed the screen, racing forward and slipping past G Chris Spencer to hit Bell for a 3-yard loss and jar the ball loose, but it was recovered by McCown. Six plays later in the drive, he made another turnover play when he noticed FB Tyler Clutts releasing behind him into the right flat and stepped back from his rush, jumping to intercept McCown who tried to complete it to the FB, his third INT of the season…Vs. Detroit (Jan. 1): Was listed as a gameday inactive as the coaching staff chose to rest him in advance of the postseason with the team having already clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Snapped a streak of 29 consecutive starts including playoffs that dated back to Week 6 of the 2010 regular season.
2010: Appeared in 15 games, starting all of those at LOLB, along with four starts there in the postseason…Selected as a Pro Bowl starter for the first time…Named first team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010, the first Green Bay linebacker to earn that honor since Harris in 1989…Finished second to Polamalu in the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year voting…Was named NFL Defensive MVP by Pro Football Weekly, and also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Year recognition from Sporting News and the Committee of 101…Earned All-NFC recognition from Pro Football Weekly…Led the team with 13½ sacks, which ranked No. 2 in the NFC and No. 4 in the NFL…Posted a career-high 83 tackles (55 solo), good for fourth on the team, and led the team with 40 QB hits…Added his first career INT, which he returned for a TD, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles…Led the defense with 3½ sacks in the playoffs, a franchise record for a single postseason…Added 20 tackles (18 solo), a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and a pass defensed…Didn’t play at all during the preseason due to a left hamstring injury sustained in the Family Night Scrimmage on Aug. 7…A re-aggravation of that injury would force him to miss the Week 6 contest vs. Miami…At Philadelphia (Sept. 12): Led the team with a career-high three sacks and a career-best nine tackles (eight solo). Added four QB hits, a forced fumble and a pass defensed. Dropped QB Kevin Kolb for an 8-yard loss on the Eagles’ third play, and sacked the QB once more in the second quarter, forcing a fumble that went out of bounds on third down; Kolb sustained a concussion on the play. Added a sack of QB Michael Vick in the third quarter, and then on a fourth-and-1 on the final drive of the game, dove to wrap up Vick for no gain with assistance from LBs Nick Barnett and Brad Jones to preserve the 27-20 win…Vs. Buffalo (Sept. 19): Posted his second straight three-sack game, becoming the first player in team history (since 1982) to do so. Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the performance, which included seven tackles (four solo). Set a team record for the most sacks in the first two games of a season with six. Dropped QB Trent Edwards for a 13-yard loss on third down of the Bills’ opening possession, and added two more sacks in the second half to total 33 yards in losses, the most by a Packer since White’s 35 yards on two sacks vs. Minnesota (Oct. 22, 1995)… At Washington (Oct. 10): Recorded six tackles (five solo), 1½ sacks, six QB hits and a pass defensed, but injured his left hamstring late in the third quarter and did not return. Split a 7-yard sack with NT B.J. Raji in the second quarter and dropped QB Donovan McNabb for a 2-yard loss on the Redskins’ next possession…Vs. Miami (Oct. 17): Tested his injured hamstring in pregame warm-ups after not practicing all week, but was inactive for the first time in his career…Vs. Minnesota (Oct. 24): Returned to action, playing every snap and registering six tackles (one solo), two QB hits and a pressure…At N.Y. Jets (Oct. 31): Posted five tackles (four solo), a sack, three QB hits and two pressures. Recorded a 6-yard sack of former college teammate Mark Sanchez late in the fourth quarter on third down, using a spin move inside to beat veteran T Damien Woody…Vs. Dallas (Nov. 7): Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time on the season with five tackles (three solo), a sack, three QB hits and a 62-yard TD return on his first career interception. Dropped QB Jon Kitna for an 8-yard loss early in the second quarter, giving him 10½ sacks on the season to become the first player in team history to record 10-plus sacks in each of his first two seasons. In the fourth quarter, intercepted a Kitna pass near the line after it was tipped by LB A.J. Hawk and returned it 62 yards for a TD. With the score, became first player in NFL history to post a double-digit sack total and a defensive score in each of his first two seasons in the league…Vs. N.Y. Giants (Dec. 26): Had six tackles (five solo), including one for a loss, two QB hits, three QB pressures and a forced fumble. With Green Bay holding a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter, hustled down the field after a 21-yard run by RB Brandon Jacobs to punch the ball from his arms near the sideline, a fumble that was recovered by S Nick Collins at the Green Bay 27…Vs. Chicago (Jan. 2): Recorded four tackles (three solo), a sack and two QB hurries. Sacked QB Jay Cutler for a 6-yard loss in the fourth quarter, giving him 13½ sacks for the season, the most since DE Aaron Kampman’s 15½ in 2006…At Philadelphia (NFC Wild Card, Jan. 9): Posted three tackles (all solo), a sack and four QB hits. Sacked Vick for a 12-yard loss early in the second quarter to force a punt...At Atlanta (NFC Divisional, Jan. 15): Registered a playoff career-high two sacks, along with five tackles (four solo), two QB hits and a fumble recovery. Became the first Packer since Kampman (at Philadelphia, Jan. 11, 2004) to post two sacks in a playoff game. Brought down QB Matt Ryan for a 4-yard loss on the Falcons’ second possession, and sacked him once more for a 9-yard loss late in the first half. Recovered a Ryan fumble in the fourth quarter…At Chicago (NFC Championship, Jan. 23): Recorded a postseason career-high eight tackles (six solo), two QB hits and a half-sack. Split a 5-yard sack of Cutler with DE Cullen Jenkins in the first quarter to force a punt…Vs. Pittsburgh (Super Bowl XLV, Feb. 6): Despite not recording at least a half-sack for the first time in his playoff career, made arguably the game’s most impactful play. On the first play of the fourth quarter, after diagnosing a run to his side, instructed DE Ryan Pickett to force the play to the outside. Slipped behind a block attempt by TE David Johnson to meet RB Rashard Mendenhall, hitting him high on his right side, almost directly on the ball. Jarred the ball loose before finishing the hit by taking Mendenhall to the ground. LB Desmond Bishop recovered the ball at the Green Bay 38 and rumbled 7 yards before being tackled. The Packers cashed in on the turnover with an 8-yard TD pass from QB Aaron Rodgers to WR Greg Jennings eight plays later, extending their lead to 28-17, ultimately the difference in the game. Finished the contest with four tackles (all solo), including one for a loss, two QB hits and a pass defensed.
2009: Played in all 16 games with 13 starts at ROLB, and started the team’s playoff contest…Was named to the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Packers rookie since Lofton in 1978 to earn the recognition…Was also selected to the Pro Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie team…Finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting…Led the team with 10 sacks, the most by a Packers rookie in franchise history since stat became official in 1982…Became only the second Green Bay rookie to lead the team in sacks (Harris, 1986)…His 10 sacks ranked second in the NFL among rookies behind only Washington’s Brian Orakpo (11.0)…Led the team with three fumble recoveries, which led all NFL rookies, including one he returned for a TD…Registered 58 tackles (42 solo), a forced fumble, six passes defensed, and a team-leading 35 QB hits…Sidelined for first three preseason games due to an injured hamstring that he aggravated in Aug. 6 night practice…Originally suffered hamstring injury during USC Pro Day and aggravated in May during OTAs…Vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 20): Posted the first sack of his career when he brought down QB Carson Palmer for a 9-yard loss in the second quarter…At Minnesota (Oct. 5): Started the first game of his career, opening at ROLB as team came out in nickel package. Late in the second quarter, stripped Pro Bowl RB Adrian Peterson of the ball on a rushing play and went untouched down the right sideline for a 42-yard TD; the score was the longest fumble return for a TD by a Packers rookie in franchise history…Vs. Detroit (Oct. 18): Started for the first time in Green Bay’s base defense at ROLB, and posted a season-high two sacks, the first Green Bay rookie to do so since Vonnie Holliday (Nov. 15, 1998, at N.Y. Giants). Added five tackles (four solo), and was in on two stops for a loss. Earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors, voted on by fans at NFL.com, for his performance…Vs. Dallas (Nov. 15): Recovered two fumbles to become the first Packers rookie to do so in a game since DB Val Joe Walker on Nov. 26, 1953, at Detroit. Second one came on a CB Charles Woodson sack/forced fumble of QB Tony Romo; scooped ball up at the Dallas 7 and returned 4 yards to the 3 to set up a Rodgers TD pass to TE Spencer Havner three plays later. Also posted sack of Romo in the second quarter when he beat veteran LT Flozell Adams. Earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors for the performance…At Baltimore (Dec. 7): Matched his career high with two sacks and added six tackles (all solo) and three QB hits on his way to earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition…At Pittsburgh (Dec. 20): Recorded a season-high eight tackles (six solo), two sacks, three QB hits, two pressures and a tackle for loss. Became first rookie in team history to post three two-sack games in a season, and it gave him a sack in four straight games, a team rookie record…At Arizona (NFC Wild Card, Jan. 10): Led the LBs with seven tackles (five solo) and added three QB hits and two pressures. Beat LT Jeremy Bridges off the edge to sack QB Kurt Warner on first-quarter flea-flicker; also forced a fumble on the sack, but Bridges recovered. With the Packers trailing 17-0 early in the second quarter and the Cardinals threatening again, recovered fumble by WR Larry Fitzgerald that was forced by Woodson at the Arizona 19; returned the fumble 29 yards out to Green Bay’s 48. Became first NFL rookie in playoff history (since sacks became a stat in 1982) to record a sack, a forced fumble and a defensive fumble recovery in the same game…2009 Draft: Drafted by the Packers with the second of two first-round picks (No. 26 overall), the first time Green Bay had two selections in the first round since 1993. Became the first player Thompson moved up into the first round to select in the 10 drafts he had run to that point (five each with Seattle and Green Bay). Was the third LB selected in the first round by the Packers in the last seven drafts, joining Barnett (2003) and Hawk (2006). Became the first LB ever selected out of Southern California by Green Bay in the first round.
COLLEGE: Former walk-on went on to play in four straight Rose Bowls and the 2009 Senior Bowl…Finished his career with 96 tackles, including 5½ sacks and 13½ tackles for loss in 50 games played with 10 starts…Graduated with a degree in international relations…Senior season (2008): Earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors and honorable mention All-American honors from Pro Football Weekly in his only season as a starter…Opened the final 10 games of the season as a stand-up RDE, and was available to play any of the LB positions…Played in all 13 games and registered 56 tackles, including nine for loss with 4½ sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two passes defensed and a blocked FG…Even with his increased role on defense, continued to be a valuable contributor on special teams, winning USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year Award for the third straight season…Won the Trojans’ Co-Lifter of the Year Award…Played in the Senior Bowl for the South squad…Had two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble to go along with his game-best six tackles, including a sack, at Virginia (Aug. 30)…Posted six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass defensed vs. Ohio State (Sept. 13)…Recorded five tackles and a collegiate career-high 1½ sacks at Arizona (Oct. 25)…Junior season (2007): Played in all 13 games with two starts, serving as a key backup and special-teams contributor…Won USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season…Posted 17 tackles, three for loss, two forced fumbles, one pass defensed and two blocked FGs…Registered three tackles, including one for a loss, and forced two fumbles in Rose Bowl victory vs. Illinois (Jan. 1)…Sophomore season (2006): Earned a scholarship in the fall and served as a key contributor on special teams, winning USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year Award…Was also a second-team Academic All-Pac-10 selection…Played in all 13 games and registered 15 tackles and a sack…Posted season-high four tackles and the first sack of his career at Stanford (Nov. 4)…Redshirt freshman season (2005): Played in 12 of 13 games, missing the season opener at Hawaii (Sept. 3) with a sprained elbow…Posted 12 tackles on defense and also saw time on special teams.
PERSONAL: Given name William Clay Matthews III…Born in Northridge, Calif. …Single…Comes from a football family…Father, Clay Jr., played LB in the NFL for 19 seasons with the Cleveland Browns (1978-93) and the Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), and was a four-year letterman (1974-77) at Southern California…Grandfather, Clay Sr., played DE for four seasons (1950, 53-55) with the San Francisco 49ers…His older brother, Kyle, lettered on USC’s 2003 national championship team, and younger brother, Casey, was a fourth-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011…Uncle, Bruce, played OL for 19 seasons (1983-2001) with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and currently coaches the offensive line for the Titans...Cousin, Kevin, played C at Texas A&M, and is now with the Tennessee Titans, and has two younger brothers, Jake and Mike, who are currently offensive linemen at A&M…High school: Four-year letterman at Agoura High in Agoura Hills, Calif. …Earned All-CIF first-team honors at LB as a senior in 2003…Played for father in high school as Clay Jr. was team’s defensive coordinator, but did not start until his senior year…Also played TE…Lettered two years in basketball…Community involvement: Visited with students at St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Green Bay as a reward for being one of the top donors in the in-school food drive...Hobbies/interests: Interned at NFL Network in the summer of 2006…Hobbies include watching movies, spending time with his family and hunting…His favorite TV shows are Entourage, Eastbound & Down, Game of Thrones, Modern Family and Spartacus…Residence: Agoura Hills, Calif.
