Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960
By Phil Watson
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 28-22 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
6. Clay Matthews (2009-14)
The son of a four-time Pro Bowler and a 19-year NFL veteran and the nephew of a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, Clay Matthews had the blood line to be a successful pro football player.
The Green Bay Packers thought so, anyway, taking the USC linebacker with the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Immediate impact could describe Matthews’ play, as he was a Pro Bowler as a rookie, the first of five Pro Bowls he’s been selected for in his six-year career.
Matthews was an All-Pro pick in 2010, when he had 13½ sacks, 59 tackles, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and an interception after moving from right linebacker to the left side, helping Green Bay to a Super Bowl title.
In six seasons, Matthews has 318 tackles, 61 sacks, five interceptions, 32 passes defensed and 12 forced fumbles.
He is already third on the Packers’ all-time sack list, is fifth in forced fumbles and 10th in passes defensed, while hauling two interceptions back for touchdowns in his career.
Matthews is signed through the 2018 season.
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