Clay Matthews

Team Number:	52
Birth Date:	05/14/1986
Height:	6'3"
Weight:	245lbs.
Position:	Linebacker

More Info
Clay Matthews comes from a football family. Both Matthew’s father, Clay Mattews, and Uncle, Bruce Matthews, played in the NFL.

Matthews was born on May 14, 1986 in Northridge, California. Recently he was the 26th first round pick as a linebacker in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Matthews went to Agoura High School in California and unfortunately he did not gain his size until his senior year and wasn’t recruit able right out of high school. Even with his father as the defensive coordinator for the team, he still decided not to start his son.

After gaining some confidence in his size and football skills he decided to follow in his families footsteps at the University of Southern California.

While attending USC, Matthews played for the Trojan football team 2005-2008; 2004 under redshirt. He played as a walk-on student athlete without a scholarship. In 2004 Matthews played solely on the scout team and actually passed up opportunities to play the fourth quarters of many games in order to keep his redshirt status.

After proving himself on the special teams in the 2005 season the Trojan coaching staff recognized his efforts and rewarded him with a full athletic scholarship beginning in the 2006 season. In the 2007 season Matthew was started in place of injured teammate Brian Cushing and was later awarded USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the year 2007-2008.

After hard weight training and conditioning Matthews improved his performance and was used in an experimental hybrid position that allowed him to get 4.5 sacks. All of his hard work allowed Matthews to set a USC record of obtaining three consecutive Special Teams Player of the Year awards.

Participating in the 2009 Senior Bowl for Matthews was a great advantage because his performance landed him top consideration for the 2009 NFL Draft and he was even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated 2009 NFL Draft Preview Magazine.