DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Clay Matthews Jr named Hall Of Fame semi-finalist

Clay Matthews Jr. named semifinalist for 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

Matthews was also a semifinalist in 2012, 2017 and 2019

Daryl Ruiter
November 26, 2019

Cleveland, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Maybe the fourth time will be the charm for Clay Matthews Jr.

The former Browns linebacker was named a semifinalist for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class on Tuesday, marking the fourth time Matthews has reached the list of 25 semifinalists.

In September, Matthews became the first non-Hall of Famer added to the Browns’ Ring of Honor at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Matthews was selected by the Browns 12th overall in the 1978 draft before turning into one of the best linebackers and most durable players in league history.

Matthews, who played in 278 games — the 21st most in NFL history — and amassed 1,561 tackles over that span, was a three-time All Pro and received four Pro Bowl nods.

During his 16 seasons with the Browns from 1978-93, Matthews racked up 76.5 sacks, 1,430 total tackles, 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries.

On Jan. 2, 2020 the list of 15 modern-era finalists will be announced.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the NFL, the league will induct a special class of 20 Hall of Famers comprised of 5 modern era players, 10 seniors (players retired for 25 or more years), 3 contributors and 2 coaches next summer.


https://923thefan.radio.com/articles/clay-matthews-jr-2020-pro-football-hall-of-fame-semifinalist

Congrats Clay ... and good luck

25 semi-finalists and they're going to induct a class of 20?? I'd say if it doesn't happen this year, it won't ever happen.

If it doesn't happen this year, Clay's daughter may burn the Hall to the ground.

Not that I would condone that.. but if there is a gofundme where I could contribute to her, I might be willing... just sayin'

Clay is considered a modern-era player, having last played in 1996, so he can't get in as a senior. The 25 players who are semi-finalists are all modern era players, so Clay's chances are no better this year than they ever were.

Here's the list of semi-finalists:

Steve Atwater, S - 1989-1998 Denver Broncos, 1999 New York Jets | (Times as a Semifinalist: 9 - 2012-2020)

Carl Banks, LB - 1984-1992 New York Giants, 1993 Washington Redskins, 1994-95 Cleveland Browns | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

Ronde Barber, CB/S - 1997-2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2018-2020)

Tony Boselli, T - 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002 Houston Texans (injured reserve) | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2016-2020)

Isaac Bruce, WR - 1994-2007 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2008-09 San Francisco 49ers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 - 2015-2020)

LeRoy Butler, S - 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2018-2020)

Alan Faneca, G - 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2016-2020)

Torry Holt, WR - 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 - 2015-2020)

Steve Hutchinson, G - 2001-05 Seattle Seahawks, 2006-2011 Minnesota Vikings, 2012 Tennessee Titans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2018-2020)

Edgerrin James, RB - 1999-2005 Indianapolis Colts, 2006-08 Arizona Cardinals, 2009 Seattle Seahawks | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 - 2015-2020)

John Lynch, FS - 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Denver Broncos | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 - 2013-2020)

Clay Matthews, LB - 1978-1993 Cleveland Browns, 1994-96 Atlanta Falcons | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 - 2012, 2017, 2019-2020)

Sam Mills, LB - 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2016, 2019-2020)

Troy Polamalu, S - 2003-2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

Simeon Rice, DE - 1996-2000 Arizona Cardinals, 2001-06 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2007 Denver Broncos, 2007 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2018, 2020)

Richard Seymour, DE/DT - 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2018-2020)

Steve Tasker, ST/WR - 1985-86 Houston Oilers, 1986-1997 Buffalo Bills | (Times as a Semifinalist: 7 - 2004, 2008-2010, 2012-13, 2020)

Fred Taylor, RB - 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

Zach Thomas, LB - 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2019-2020)

Hines Ward, WR - 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 - 2017-2020)

Ricky Watters, RB - 1992-94 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles, 1998-2001 Seattle Seahawks | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

Reggie Wayne, WR - 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

Patrick Willis, LB - 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

Darren Woodson, S - 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 - 2015, 2017, 2019-2020)

Bryant Young, DT - 1994-2007 San Francisco 49ers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2020)

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/troy-...lists-for-2020/

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It looks to me like Clay will have a hard time making the final 5, as much as I think he deserves it.

Good luck, but I don't see how he makes it this year. Theres a lot of really big time names on that list, with Troy P absolutely getting in as first time ballot.

Some of those guys can wait. Some are iffy to me also.

I hope this is his year, he deserves it.

I think Troy P is the only one with a clear advantage over Clay.

I think Troy P can't even carry Clay's jock strap

It's not like he's head and shoulders above him.

Clay should get in but he probably won't because they hate Cleveland.

This NFL.com writer (Adam Rank) puts Clay at #18 out of 25 Hall nominees. His top 5 are 1. Troy Polamalu 2. Steve Atwater 3. Patrick Willis 4. Zach Thomas 5. Steve Tasker.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001...inalists-ranked

Well he calls himself a football historian...but doesn't seem to know anything about football since 1990. If the player did't play DEEP into 90's well he didn't have much to say.

Mathews played to 96 But that was his 17th year...so what this guy saw of Clay wasn't what most of us saw...

JMO

It's still only 5 modern day players. They are going to catch up on old timers, coaches, and executives.

Looking at the list, Clays chances are pretty slim.

I loved the guy, but he is a borderline HOF player.

Clay should have been let in 25 years ago,

The amount of game changing turnover plays and momentum swinging plays he made are the reason.

He's probably #1 most deserving in my mind from those teams from that time, after the Head Coach.

Good. ANother guy who should be let in instead of Art Modell.

Finally someone in HOF who played against Clay giving props. Now if brother Bruce would get in some words of vote now noise for his family member. Where's Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot vocal support or most importantly the Browns HOF members why aren't they making noise. Seems as if lately it's been the suits posters boys getting in lately.

Grossi wrote this last year when Clay was nominated:


As another Hall of Fame vote approaches, support for overlooked Clay Matthews gains steam

By Tony Grossi
ESPN.com

December 7, 2018

Browns fans remember Clay Matthews Jr. as the sandy-haired linebacker with the beach bum looks who drove a 1973 Mercury Capri 3,000 miles from southern California to Cleveland to report to training camp every summer.

That ritual of frugality became a symbol of the blue-collar work ethic and the modest understatedness that characterized his 16-year career in Cleveland.

But Hall of Famers who played against Matthews – the father of the Green Bay linebacker, who is the third generation Clay -- regard him as football royalty and speak of him in superlatives.

They also wonder how Matthews, who excelled for a total of 19 NFL seasons including three with the Atlanta Falcons, ultimately playing 278 games – more than any NFL linebacker – has been overlooked for football’s highest honor.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Anthony Munoz, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1998:

“Clay is one of the best I’ve ever played against. He could cover with speed, he rushed the passer as well as any guy, was as smart as any guy. It wasn’t just that he could do one of those things. He was so versatile. He wasn’t one-dimensional or two-dimensional. He could do everything that they called a linebacker to do, or a linebacker should do. It wasn’t like he was playing first and second down and got third downs off. He was there every down.”

Houston Oilers guard Mike Munchak, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2001:

“I thought he was as good as anyone I ever played against. Because he was such a smart player, so instinctive, able to take advantage of what your weaknesses were. If he found a guy that couldn’t handle strength, that’s what he gave you. If he found a guy that struggled with change of direction, that’s what he gave you. I thought he did a nice job of having a game plan for whoever he played against. He could play inside, outside. He could play with a guard, with a tackle. He could cover. That’s why he never left the field. Such a smart player and he had the build. I didn’t think he’d be as strong as he was. What surprised me was how strong he was with his hands.”

Matthews is one of 25 semifinalists on the ballot for 2019 for only the third time in his 18th year of eligibility. The next vote of the Hall’s selection committee this month pares the list to 15 finalists. Matthews has never advanced to the round of 15, which would allow his case to be debated at the annual selection meeting on the day before the Super Bowl in Atlanta.

His younger brother, Houston Oilers offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, unofficially launched a campaign for Clay during his own induction in the Class of 2007.

“The thing about my brother, which is the thing I think is keeping him out, is his versatility,” Bruce said. “He could play over the tight end, be stout against the run, be stout taking on blocks. He did all the dirty work. He could cover. He was a nickel linebacker, great in coverage. Then I think it was like my second or third year, they finally cut him loose rushing the passer, and he got 12 sacks. So I think his greatest strength is what’s keeping him out, his versatility. He did everything and he did it very well.

“What’s really amazed me has been the conversations I’ve had with other Hall of Famers. When I hear guys like Howie Long, James Lofton, Joe DeLamielleure -- highly respected players -- making comments about why my brother should be in, I realize it’s not me being biased.”

A family affair: While Bruce’s opinion should carry enough weight – he played 22 times against Clay with the Browns and once with the Falcons – it is Clay’s only daughter, Jennifer, who has taken on the campaign with vigor.

Jennifer, who has done free-lance sports media work with FOXSports and CBS and currently hosts a fantasy football show on Sirius XM, has pounded social media with customized graphics touting her father’s statistics versus other Hall of Fame linebackers, and oversaw the production of a two-minute highlight video.

With the help of the Browns, who tabulated Clay’s sack totals in the four seasons prior to the NFL recognizing the statistic in 1982, Jennifer’s research showed Clay’s 83.5 career sacks bettered the totals of Hall of Famers Junior Seau (56.5) and Ray Lewis (41.5), and Clay’s 140.5 total “impact plays” – combining sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries – surpasses those of Andre Tippett (137), Lewis (111.5), Seau (103.5) and Karl Mecklenburg (114), another linebacker on the 2019 ballot.

Jennifer took on the project at the prodding of her uncle Bruce because she felt her father has been too modest to speak his own case. Her social media campaign has resulted in an outpouring of support from Browns fans all over the country.

“It’s been incredible to see people step up and say how they’ve wanted this for years,” Jennifer said. “My dad is just not one to talk about himself. He just always reiterates that he played the game because he loved competing and Ioved playing for the city Cleveland and loved being out there with his teammates. It’s been a real special time for us, real unique. He’s very humbled to feel so much love from Cleveland. He said, ‘I’m surprised they still remember me.’”

Unbelievable and remarkable: Matthews was the 12th overall pick of the 1978 draft. Tight end Ozzie Newsome, who was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1999, was the Browns’ second pick in that draft, taken 23rd overall.

In 17 of his 19 seasons, Matthews played at least 14 games. The only two years he didn't was in 1987, when he played all 12 games in a strike-interrupted season, and in 1982, when an injury ended his season in his second game. Former left tackle Doug Dieken remembers Matthews slamming his helmet against the bench after walking off the field with a broken leg.

“He had unbelievable athleticism,” said Sam Rutigliano, Clay’s first coach with the Browns. “He could cover like a cornerback and he could tackle like the best tackler in the NFL. He was unique in that sense and was never hurt [other than the broken leg]. In seven years I coached him, I don’t remember one time him being out for a down.”

The incredible Matthews genes come from their father, Clay Sr., a defensive end with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s. Clay’s 278 games are the most by a linebacker. Bruce’s 296 are the most for an offensive lineman.

“My body starts to hurt when I think about the Matthews brothers and how many games they played. That’s unbelievable,” Munoz said.

“His career is remarkable,” said Munchak. “The fact he was an every-down player. He didn’t leave the field. That’s rare these days. I just thought when you do what he did for so long and do it so well, which was amazing to me … to be that good for that long.”

Detractors might point to Matthews’ earning only four Pro Bowl selections in 19 years. But it was a position crowded with pass rush linebackers in the 1980s who did mostly one thing well – sack the quarterback. And of the seven linebackers selected to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1980s, none played longer than 15 years.

“He’s the most underrated player ever that’s had a career that long,” said June Jones, former offensive coordinator of the Houston Oilers.

When Jones became head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 1994, Matthews’ contract with the Browns had run out and he intended to retire. Jones coaxed him to Atlanta. Over the next two years, Matthews started every game at the age of 38 and 39. Jones persuaded Matthews to come back for a third season at the age of 40 by promising Matthews he could practice when he wanted and be used as a situational pass rusher. Matthews proceeded to lead the Falcons in sacks with 6.5.

Jones recalled Matthews’ last game of his career in the 1996 finale. The Falcons were 3-12 and played the Jacksonville Jaguars, who needed a win to earn an AFC playoff berth. The Jaguars led, 19-17, and were running out the clock.

With about four minutes left, Matthews sacked quarterback Mark Brunell to force a Jacksonville punt. The Falcons drove the length of the field, but kicker Morten Andersen missed a 30-yard field goal for the win.

“I can remember Clay being so upset that we didn’t win that game,” Jones said.

“That’s exactly how he was,” said Munchak. “He didn’t want to lose one rep, much less one game.”


https://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland/post...ews-gains-steam

One of the few things pf his that I have read and actually liked.

Well said .. that tackle number and his longevity should get him in IMO

What a shame...

Very disappointing ... Clay might be my all-time favorite Browns player.

Does the media decide who advances each round as well?

Yes.

Bummer

I like Clay, I think he deserves to get in, but this a bad comparssion.

He played in 96 MORE games, and only had 203 more tackles.

Clay had more sacks, but BU was a MLB, Clay played all over allowing more opportunity for sacks.

BU had 6 more INT in 96 less games.

He had more Fumble Rec in 96 less games.

Again, Im not saying Clay shouldn't be in, but if this is the best comparison they can come up with - its not helping his case.

BU also has a ring if im not mistaken.

Who said this was the best comparison? She posted others. Also, contributing at a high level for 6 more seasons than BU should be a positive, not a negative.

I am saying that she was trying to point out that if BU is in the HOF Clay should be. I am saying that was a bad analogy. If she made others, cool. This was a bad one.

He played in the 2006 Super Bowl against the Colts, which was a loss for the Bears. No ring, but he does have a piece which is spread all over Chicago constantly.

I believe that is (those are?) hair transplants. Jason Witten went with it too when he was on MNF.