Anyone born in a home where the foundation of sports has been laid has a guarantee of being successful especially if there are consistent training and passion for sports. Clay Matthews III was born in such home, he is the son of a former professional American footballer who played as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Just like his father, he plays football as an outside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL.
All through his career, he has bagged a lot of achievements; earned a super bowl to his name and six Pro bowls amongst other recognitions. Being an oldie, Clay is one of the many footballers who have their profile checked on a daily basis. For this reason, we decided to write on all the details you need to know about him.
Clay Matthews III’s Early Life
At birth, he was named after his father, Clay Mathews Junior but was also given the name Williams as his first name. He was born to Leslie and Clay Mathews Jnr. on May 14, 1986. His family, both extended and nuclear have a history of football players, some who played the game professionally while some stopped in college.
His grandfather, Clay Mathew Snr. played as a tackle for four seasons with the San Francisco 49ners in the National Football league in the year, 1950. Clay Mathews Snr. was skilled at the game of football, he was one time Pro Bowler of the year during his time but had his career interrupted when the Korean War began, he joined the Army and became a paratrooper. His father, Matty Mathews served as a coach for boxers and baseballers at the Citadel in Charleston, South California.
For Clay Matthews III’s educational pursuit, he attended Agoura High School where he was an active member of the football team. He played under his father who was the team’s defensive coordinator, however, Clay was said to have been a late bloomer. His father had issues in training him due to his size.
Later on, he decided to school at the University of Southern California, as expected, he joined the school team but was not active in his first year and sophomore year, however, the later years he played with the team were noted for excellence.
He gained an athletic scholarship in 2006 and by the time he finished from the school in 2009, he was rated as one of the top prospects in the NFL Draft that year and was also drafted by the Green Bay Packers as the 26th overall in the first round of the draft.
A quick rundown on Clay’s career after signing with the Packers has shown that he has recorded an impressive number of tackles, solo, sacks, and fumbles. He still plays for the Packers and has also never relented with his magical exploits in the team.
Family: Wife and Kids
For all the Mrs. Mathew wannabe’s out there, it sad that the vacancy has been occupied by Casey Noble. Clay Matthews III took his vows with the beautiful interior designer and television personality in July 2015. Details about how and where they met are not anywhere in the records but they were seen together for the first time at the National Hockey League Game in March 2013 portraying all kinds of PDA’s. From the little we have gathered we found out that the two have long been in a relationship but chose to keep their affairs under the radar.
Together, Clay and Casey welcomed their first bundle of joy William Clay IV in February 2015 and their daughter Madeline Joy came along in November 2016.
Sister and Brother
Clay Matthews III is one of five siblings having three brothers and one sister. They are Casey, Brain, Kyle and Jennifer Mathews. All five were raised in Los Angeles, California where the Clay was born. His brother Casey Mathew is also noted as one of the best linebackers who played for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. His sister, Jennifer doesn’t play football but has shown interest in the game. Records have it that she worked as a model for the National Football League. The Mathew’s cousin Kevin Mathew, Jake Mathew, and Mike Mathew are all active football players.
Height
Clay Matthews III was almost laid off as a footballer during his high school days by his father as a result of his size. This was enough to let any child warp his career under his sleeves but for him, he saw it as one of the stepping stones at which he used in building his career. Comparing his height to that of other footballers, one could tell that he is on the average size as he stands at 6 foot 3 1⁄8 inches and weighs 110kg.
Net Worth
Having played for the Packers for many years, we could refer to Clay Matthews as an NFL oldie. He is regarded as one of the best pass rushers and linebackers in his team.
For all we have seen the footballer do on the pitch, his rewards thereof and for every other income source he might have, his estimated to be worth $35 million.