One of my favorite Browns and Nfl player to could make it into Canton in the class of 2009. Clay Matthews #57 LB. He was 6'2 245 lbs. Played college ball at USC ( I never held that against him). Was a 1st round draft pick in 1978. Played more games (232) than any other player in team history. He was known and regarded as one of the Leagues finest LB's throughout his career. His 16 yrs in Cleveland is second on the clubs longevity list( 1st being Lou Groza). Clay holds the team record with career sacks (77). He was voted to 4 Pro-Bowls 86,88,89,90. He a career total of 1,430 tackles. And is 1 of only 5 Browns players to have played in 3 different decades.
To me he was your typical rugged LB of the 80's. He always had a long white tee-shirt that was in underneath his pads , and it was always ripped to shreds by the end of the game. He had a nack for wherever the ball was, and to me that is what makes a great LB (getting to the ball on just about ever play). I remember when he made a key INT in a playoff game in I believe 86 or 87 and it won the game for the Browns. Unfortunately the following week they played John Elway and the Broncos( and if your a Cleveland fan that is a sore subject).
At any rate , I will be wearing my Matthews #57 jersey very proudly this season as always hoping that Clay gets the nod.
We love ya man........
