![]() ![]() At the beginning of the 2008 season, defensive coordinator Nick Holt, Carroll, and Norton decided to try using Matthews in a hybrid "elephant" position, where Matthews would stand in the position of defensive end, but use the speed and tactics of a linebacker the coaches had used Cushing in the position in a similar manner in 2006. ![]() ĭuring the off season, Matthews committed to weight training and conditioning programs to gain size and improve his performance level and stamina. He was awarded USC's Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in 20 and blocked two field goals in the later season. Matthews continued to play reserve linebacker in the 20 seasons, and made two starts in 2007 in place of injured teammate Brian Cushing. He was granted full athletic scholarship status at the beginning of the 2006 season. ![]() He remained a nonathletic scholarship (a "walk on") reserve linebacker during the 2005 season, and played mainly on special teams. During his first season, USC's 2004 BCS National Championship, he played only on the scout team and turned down several playing opportunities during garbage time during the fourth quarters of games to preserve his redshirt status and remaining seasons of NCAA eligibility. Though he was the son of an All-Pro NFL linebacker, he entered USC as an unheralded, walk-on student athlete. Matthews attended the University of Southern California and played for the Trojans from 2004 to 2008 under head coach Pete Carroll. Like his father and uncle, Matthews opted to attend the University of Southern California with hopes of becoming a walk-on for the Trojans football team.Ĭollege career Matthews during his 2007 season at USC He has described his own recruiting status out of high school as "not applicable". Matthews began developing physically in his senior season, but only garnered interest from Division I FCS schools and local community colleges. His father was the team's defensive coordinator, but declined to start his son because he was physically undersized. Matthews attended Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, California, where he played for the Chargers. His sister, Jennifer is often featured on NFL Network where she discusses fantasy football. His two older brothers, Kyle and Brian, both members of National Championship teams during their time with USC Trojans football, are currently in the real estate business in California and Ohio, respectively. He also has cousins involved in football: Kevin Matthews, Jake Matthews, and Mike Matthews. His brother is linebacker Casey Matthews, and his uncle is Bruce Matthews. Matthews's grandfather was Clay Matthews Sr. The family has a history of professional football players. Matthews was born in the Northridge section of Los Angeles, the son of Leslie and Clay Matthews Jr., a professional football player. He also has showed his athleticism and abilities by playing both inside and outside linebacker during the 20 seasons.Ī member of the Matthews family of football players, he is the brother of former NFL linebacker Casey Matthews, the son of former NFL linebacker Clay Matthews Jr., and the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. Matthews continued his role as a leading pass rusher, recording at least six sacks in the first nine seasons he played. He topped that total in 2010 with 13.5 sacks, helping the Packers to their Super Bowl XLV victory. In his rookie year, Matthews recorded 10 sacks while playing outside linebacker. He was ultimately selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the draft (26th overall) after the team traded up to make the selection. Matthews was considered a top prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft. During his college career, he was a part of three Pac-10 Championship teams. He also played reserve outside linebacker during those years before moving into a starting role his senior season. At USC, Matthews was a standout special-teams player, winning three consecutive Special Teams Player of the Year awards from 2006 to 2008. He is the all-time official quarterback sack leader for the Green Bay Packers.Īfter attending Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, California, Matthews was a walk-on student athlete at the University of Southern California for the USC Trojans football team under head coach Pete Carroll. The six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro played primarily with the Green Bay Packers. William Clay Matthews III (born May 14, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was an outside linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Matthews with the Green Bay Packers in 2012 ![]()
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