Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. is one of 26 semifinalists being considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012.
Matthews starred for the Browns from 1978-1993 and was named to the Pro-Bowl four times during that span. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1994-96 and appeared in 278 games overall, 17th most in NFL history. Matthews was a three-time All-Pro selection and recorded 69.5 sacks, 16 interceptions, and one touchdown in his NFL career.
Clay's father, Clay Matthews Sr., also played in the NFL, as did his brother, Bruce Matthews. One of his sons, Clay Matthews III, is currently a star linebacker for the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.
The list of 26 semifinalists will be reduced by mail ballot to 15 modern-era finalists, which will be announced in early January, 2012, and the Class of 2012 will be determined at the Selection Committee's annual meeting on, Feb. 4, in Indianapolis, Indiana the day before Super Bowl XLVI, and will be announced during a one-hour NFL Network special.