CLEVELAND — Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Clay Matthews earned respect from teammates, opponents and fans during his near 20-year career in the National Football League, and that list also includes his old coaches.
Prior to Matthews being inducted into the Browns’ Ring of Honor at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland during today’s game against the Los Angeles Rams on the NBC Sunday Night Football broadcast, one-time Browns defensive coordinator and current University of Alabama coach Nick Saban praised his former linebacker.
“Clay Matthews possessed a unique combination of being a great player with a competitive nature and no ego whatsoever,” Saban said, according to a graphic tweeted by Matthews’ daughter, Jennifer. “He was an absolute pleasure to coach! His leadership -- which was exemplified in his hard work, discipline, preparation and performance -- was all a coach could ever hope for in a player.”
A first-round pick of the Browns in the 1978 NFL Draft, Matthews spent 16 years in Cleveland, where in 232 games, 216 of which were starts, he registered 76.5 quarterback sacks, 1,430 total tackles, 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries.
A four-time Pro Bowler in Cleveland, Matthews ranks first in Browns history with 76.5 sacks, games played and most consecutive seasons, as well as second in total years of service to the organization.
Despite playing a physical position where making violent collisions were commonplace, Matthews set a standard for the rest of the defense and proved remarkably durable over his 19-year career.
Overall, Matthews played in 278 games, making the start in 248 contests, and was on the field for 12 or more games in all but one season in his nearly 20-year NFL career.
Created by former team executive Mike Holmgren, the “Ring of Honor” has recognized the franchise’s 16 Hall of Famers (15 players, one coach), as well as former All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas for his 10,363 consecutive snaps played streak.
“Clay will always remain one of my all-time favorites,” Saban continued. “I appreciate and respect Clay more than he could ever know. My heartfelt congratulations to Clay! I can’t think of a more deserving player to be inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor, and I’ll be celebrating in spirit with Clay and his family on September 22!”