As expected, the Green Bay Packers have made All Pro Linebacker Clay Matthews a deal that will keep him in Wisconson for the foreseeable future.
Clay Matthews is a graduate of the University of Southern California and played football for the Trojans from 2004-2008 under head coach Pete Carroll who is now coaching in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks. He was a “walk on” student athlete and did not receive a football related scholarship until 2006.
Matthews is a third generation NFL player. His grandfather played offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, his father played linebacker for the Browns and the Falcons… it’s a family tradition of the first order.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the new contract is for 5 years for a whopping $66,000,000! That puts him on par with Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware who also brings home about $13 million a year. Matthews was set to make a base salary of $3.73 million next year but this new contract more righteously reflects his value to the Packers organization.
“Congratulations to Clay, who has quickly developed into a core member of our team,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “His accomplishments and the example he sets on and off the field will be vital to our continued success. We look forward to the rest of his Packers career.”
Matthews posted Twitter… ”happy to continue my career in Green Bay.”
Clay Matthews was drafted in the first round by the Packers as the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. In a very short time, he became known as one of the best linebackers in the league. He is 6’3” tall and weighs in at 255 pounds. In 2010 he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year and also won the Butkus Award.
In just four years with the Packers, Matthews has recorded 204 tackles, sacked the opposing quarterback over 42 times, had 4 interceptions, forced 7 fumbles and actually scored 3 touchdowns on defense.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson said, “Clay has been a productive member of our team and we are pleased to be able to come to an agreement that will extend his Packers career.”
The Packers will now turn their attention to quarterback Aaron Rogers and his contract for next season. Rumor has it that Rogers will leap frog Drew Brees and Joe Flacco to become the highest paid player in the NFL.
