I dont remember seeing him play because I was too young. I’ll say based on the fact that he hasn’t been inducted yet, that’s quite telling. Not sure how many guys slip through the cracks for so long?
The one thing that stands out to me when I see his career: the longevity is unparalleled
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Should be in IMO. How did he play? Did he define his position? Gamechanger? How about longevity and durability? Let's mention this as well: Consistency. Would you welcome his presence today? Did he / does he define Browns football when they were good?
Order his coat.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
Clay Matthews deserves to have long since been in the Hall of Fame already. Way more than so many other people who have been announced to be inducted over the years, and by so many I'm talking in the more than 50 numbers. Yes I think he is more deserving than more than 50 people who have been put in, since he retired, in that place which to me has always made it a joke and just more hatred for Cleveland because it's Cleveland. If Clay Matthews isn't in, then everybody else they put in that place makes that place a joke; which is why I never considered the PF HOF as anything really to take notice of.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
In his final game in 1996, at the age of 40, at a VERY demanding position, Clay Matthews got a sack. He had 82.5 sacks that were recorded, but sacks weren't even counted until his 3rd or 4th year in the league, so I'm sure he had more. Detractors say longevity isn't enough, but Clay wasn't a QB, or OL, K, or punter. He was a LB who could fill and excell at any role he was asked to fill, whether in run support, pass coverage, or rushing the passer. Definitely deserving.
In his final game in 1996, at the age of 40, at a VERY demanding position, Clay Matthews got a sack. He had 82.5 sacks that were recorded, but sacks weren't even counted until his 3rd or 4th year in the league, so I'm sure he had more. Detractors say longevity isn't enough, but Clay wasn't a QB, or OL, K, or punter. He was a LB who could fill and excell at any role he was asked to fill, whether in run support, pass coverage, or rushing the passer. Definitely deserving.
So your telling me there's a chance!
Let this sink in..... On 12-31-23 it be will 123123. On the flip side, you can tune a piano but you can't tune-a-fish.
Clay deserves it from a production standpoint, but he lacked the "flash" that catches the voters' eyes.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Pro Football Hall of Fame reveals 26 semifinalists for Class of 2022 Published: Nov 24, 2021 at 01:05 PM nfl.com
The group of semifinalists is highlighted by seven first-year eligible players: wide receivers Anquan Boldin, Andre Johnson and Steve Smith; wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester; defensive linemen Robert Mathis and Vince Wilfork; and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Fifteen finalists will be revealed in January. In addition to the modern-era finalists will be senior finalist Cliff Branch, contributor finalist Art McNally and coach finalist Dick Vermeil.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be inducted during NFL Honors, which airs live Thursday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
Complete list of semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022
Cornerback Eric Allen Defensive end Jared Allen Offensive tackle Willie Anderson Cornerback/safety Ronde Barber Wide receiver Anquan Boldin Offensive tackle Tony Boselli Safety LeRoy Butler Running back Eddie George Wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester Wide receiver Torry Holt Wide receiver Andre Johnson Defensive end Robert Mathis Linebacker Sam Mills Defensive tackle Richard Seymour Wide receiver Steve Smith Wide receiver/special teams Steve Tasker Running back Fred Taylor Linebacker Zach Thomas Wide receiver Hines Ward Linebacker DeMarcus Ware Running back Ricky Watters Wide receiver Reggie Wayne Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork Linebacker Patrick Willis Safety Darren Woodson Defensive tackle Bryant Young https://www.nfl.com/news/pro-football-hall-of-fame-reveals-26-semifinalists-for-class-of-2022
Let this sink in..... On 12-31-23 it be will 123123. On the flip side, you can tune a piano but you can't tune-a-fish.
Nobody on that entire list looks like what a hall of famer should imo. I vote that none of them ever get in. It's the Hall of Fame! It's not the Hall of played very well for a very long time.
Clay Mathews deserves to be in, way more than that list and so many more who are in since he retired.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
Knowing how all of their careers turned out, I would draft Clay Matthews ahead of any of the LBs on that list. All good players but.. Sam Mills biggest claim to fame is that he is like 5'8" and still played LB at a fairly high level for 12 years... Zach Thomas was a good solid LB with unremarkable stats... Demarcus Ware is the best player in the group, but was much more of a stand-up edge rusher than he ever was a LB, which is why he finished with 140 sacks but about 1/3 the # of tackles that Clay had