He was the Predator. The hair, the flex, the relentless motor that seemed to define an entire era of Green Bay defense. When you think about the Green Bay Packers Matthews family connection, it’s usually Clay III who jumps to mind first, though the bloodline in this sport is basically royalty.
Honestly, it's weird to think it’s been years since he last suited up at Lambeau.
Clay Matthews III didn't just play linebacker; he was a heat-seeking missile for a decade. He’s the guy who finally broke the franchise sack record, finishing his time in Green Bay with 83.5 official sacks. That's a lot of quarterbacks waking up sore on Mondays. But his story isn't just about the numbers or the Super Bowl XLV ring. It’s about how a walk-on at USC turned himself into the most feared pass rusher in the league.
The "It’s Time" Moment
Most people remember the Super Bowl against the Steelers for Aaron Rodgers winning MVP. Fair enough. But if you really know your ball, you know the game turned on one hit.
The Packers were leading, but Pittsburgh was driving. Rashard Mendenhall took the handoff. Then, out of nowhere, Matthews meets him in the hole. "It's time," Clay told teammate Ryan Pickett right before the snap. He forced the fumble, Desmond Bishop recovered it, and the momentum swung for good.
💡 You might also like: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
Without that play, that Lombardi trophy probably isn't in the lobby at 1265 Lombardi Avenue right now. It was the quintessential Green Bay Packers Matthews play—high stakes, high energy, and perfect timing.
Moving Inside: The Great Sacrifice
A lot of fans forget that Clay actually saved the 2014 season by doing something he hated. The Packers’ run defense was a total sieve. It was embarrassing. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers asked his best pass rusher to move from the outside to inside linebacker.
That’s like asking a Ferrari to pull a trailer.
But he did it. He transformed the defense overnight. He still made the Pro Bowl that year, which is insane considering he was playing a position he hadn't touched since high school. It showed a level of "team-first" mentality that you don't always see from superstars. He was a six-time Pro Bowler for a reason. He was versatile.
📖 Related: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The Messy Goodbye
Football is a business. We all know that, but it still felt cold when the Packers let him walk after the 2018 season.
There was this weird tension. The team was transitioning to the Matt LaFleur era. They wanted to get younger, faster, and cheaper. They brought in the "Smith Bros" (Za'Darius and Preston), and suddenly, No. 52 was wearing a Rams jersey.
He actually had a decent year in LA with 8 sacks in 13 games, but a broken jaw slowed him down. He even admitted later that he was "shocked" by how things ended in Green Bay. He felt like he had more in the tank. Most fans agree. Seeing him in blue and gold just felt wrong, like seeing a fish in a tree.
Why the Hall of Fame Induction Matters
In August 2024, the Packers finally did the right thing. They inducted Clay Matthews III into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
👉 See also: Scores of the NBA games tonight: Why the London Game changed everything
It was a massive night at the Lambeau Field Atrium. He stood there with Aaron Kampman, and you could tell the bitterness from the 2019 exit had faded. He’s the all-time sack leader for the franchise (if you count from 1982 when it became an official stat).
The Legacy by the Numbers:
- 83.5 Sacks: The most in Packers history.
- 6 Pro Bowls: Absolute dominance in his prime.
- 17 Forced Fumbles: He wasn't just tackling; he was hunting the ball.
- 200 QB Hits: He lived in the backfield.
What He’s Doing Now (2026)
Clay has mostly stayed out of the coaching spotlight, which surprises some people. He’s living back in Southern California, focusing on being a dad to his three kids. He's worth about $50 million, so he isn't exactly hurting for cash.
He pops up on social media occasionally, usually looking like he could still bench press a small car. He also recently made headlines for selling his massive $28 million mansion in Calabasas. Basically, he’s enjoying the retired life that 11 years of car crashes on grass earned him.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re a younger fan who only saw the tail end of his career, do yourself a favor. Go back and watch the 2010 divisional playoff game against the Falcons. Or his rookie year highlights.
- Study the "Elephant" Position: If you want to understand modern NFL defense, look at how the Packers used Matthews in a hybrid role. It paved the way for guys like Micah Parsons today.
- Appreciate the Bloodline: Research his dad, Clay Jr., who played 19 seasons. It’s arguably the greatest family legacy in NFL history.
- Visit the Hall: If you’re ever in Green Bay, the Packers Hall of Fame at Lambeau Field is a must. His display is a masterclass in what a high-motor linebacker looks like.
He wasn't just a guy with long hair and a flashy celebration. Clay Matthews was the heartbeat of a defense that helped define a decade of winning football in Titletown.
Next Steps for Packers History Buffs:
Check out the official Packers Hall of Fame website to see the full list of inductees and their career highlights. You can also dive into the "Matthews Family Tree" on Pro-Football-Reference to see how his stats stack up against his Hall of Fame uncle, Bruce, and his father, Clay Jr.