The Retort

Rookie Carved out of Clay

January 29th, 2010 by Joe Olivo Of The Retort Staff

Greenbay Packers rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews took a different path to the NFL then most first round draftees. Clay didn’t start for his high school football team, of which his father was the defensive coordinator. He received only a few offers from Division I and community colleges. He described his recruiting status as “Not applicable.”

He chose instead to follow in his father and uncles shoes and go to the University of Southern California. Clay managed to become a walk on player at the USC. He played on USC’s scout team during his 2004 redshirt year. In 2005 he, with his hard work and enthusiasm earned his way onto the field, mostly on special teams. In 2006 he received a full scholarship and began playing reserve linebacker while continuing his duties on special teams. Clay committed himself to a rigorous off season program to gain size and improve his performance.

In 2008, his senior season, the coaching staff at USC decided to use Clay in an “elephant” position. In this hybrid linebacker and defensive end position Clay could use his speed and technique to rush the passer or drop into coverage. After leaving USC Clay was drafted with the 26th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Greenbay Packers.

Clay isn’t the only member of the Matthews family to play in the NFL; his father, Clay senior, played linebacker for 19 years with the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, while his uncle, Bruce, played on the offensive line 19 years for the Houston Oilers (later the Tennessee Titans). Bruce Matthews was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen ever.

Because of his NFL pedigree many believed that Clay had been given his shot at the NFL. “Well the misconception was that everything was handed to me because of my father and uncle. That’s the complete opposite. I’ve had to scratch and claw my way for everything I have, but I’ll tell you this, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

This year, Clay’s rookie season, he started 13 games for the Packers and their new 3-4 defense. In this system he continues to play in his hybrid linebacker defensive end position. By the end of the season Clay had totaled 51 tackles and 10 quarterback sacks, earned rookie of the week honors twice, and was voted as a first alternate to the NFL Pro Bowl.

Clay says he owes much of his success to linebackers coach Kevin Greene. Greene is currently 3rd all time for sacks and was a 5 time pro bowler. “Coach Greene is outstanding. You can totally relate to him because he was a player for a long time in this league. He is a great pass rushing teacher. He preaches for us to always be physical and relentless as a player. He really gets the best out of all of his players.”

Clay has earned praise from numerous annalists around the world. Former Super Bowl winning head coach Brian Billick said this about him, “He is a dominate rush guy, from anywhere. He has great intensity and athleticism, which allows him to be quick in his transitions. He is a complete laser on the quarterback, one of the most fluid rushers I’ve seen.”

It hasn’t been complete smooth sailing since stepping into the NFL for Clay though. “Coming from California to Greenbay was a huge change for me. To be honest I had to look up where Greenbay was when I got drafted. I had no idea it was in Wisconsin. It’s definitely different out here but in a good way. It’s a small town, I’m kind of a small town guy, and the fans are super passionate. I just want to come in here and make a name for myself.”

With the Packers ranking number 2 in total defense this season and number 1 against the rush I’d say Clay Matthews has already begun to fill his family shoes.