Basic Information
| Full Name | William Clay Matthews Sr. |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 1928-08-01 |
| Death Date | 2017-03-23 |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| Nfl Teams | San Francisco 49ers |
| Position | defensive end, tackle |
| Military Service | 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper |
| Post Nfl Career | president of Bell & Howell |
| Children | Clay Matthews Jr., Bruce Matthews |
Early Career and Business Ventures
William Clay Matthews Sr. was born on August 1, 1928, in Charleston, South Carolina. He played defensive end and tackle for the San Francisco 49ers in 1950 and from 1953 to 1955, starting 40 of 45 games. Matthews served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War, then transitioned to business as president of Bell & Howell.
Family Football Legacy
The Matthews family spans three NFL generations and ranks among the league’s most decorated families. Collectively they have earned:
- 25 Pro Bowl invitations
- 11 First‑Team All‑Pro selections
- 3 Super Bowl appearances (including a victory in Super Bowl XLV)
| Family Member | Relation | NFL Years | Position | Pro Bowls | All‑Pro | Super Bowl Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Matthews Sr. | Patriarch | 1950, 1953–1955 | DE / T | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Clay Matthews Jr. | Son | 1978–1996 | LB | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Bruce Matthews | Son | 1983–2001 | OL | 14 | 9 | 0 |
| Clay Matthews III | Grandson | 2009–2019 | LB | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| Jake Matthews | Grandson | 2014–present | OT | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Casey & Kevin & Troy | Grandsons / Nephew | Various (2010–19) | LB / C / TE | 0–0 | 0–0 | 0 |
Net Worth and Achievements
Only Clay Matthews III reports a public net worth of approximately $50 million, earned through NFL contracts, endorsements, and real estate ventures. Other family members have undisclosed but substantial wealth based on long playing careers and post‑NFL pursuits.
Recent Developments
- April 2025: Clay Matthews III shared a humorous NFL Draft night anecdote, boosting his media profile.
- January 2025: He advocated responsible gun ownership via Project ChildSafe.
- March 2025: Jake Matthews signed a two‑year, $45 million extension with the Atlanta Falcons, securing his role as a cornerstone offensive tackle.
FAQ
Who was Clay Matthews Sr.?
He was an NFL defensive end and tackle for the 49ers (1950, 1953–1955) and later served as Bell & Howell president.
How many Pro Bowls did the family earn?
The Matthews family accumulated 25 Pro Bowl invitations across three generations.
Which Matthews won a Super Bowl?
Clay Matthews III won Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers in 2011.
What is Clay Matthews III’s net worth?
His net worth stands at around $50 million from NFL contracts and endorsements.
What recent contract did Jake Matthews sign?
In March 2025, Jake Matthews agreed to a two‑year, $45 million extension with the Falcons.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Matthews_Sr. | Biographical and career details for William Clay Matthews Sr. |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Matthews_Jr. | Comprehensive profile of William Clay Matthews Jr.’s NFL career and post‑NFL activities |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Matthews_(American_football) | Overview of Bruce Matthews’s record‑setting offensive line career and honors |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Matthews_III | Full career statistics and achievements for William Clay Matthews III |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Matthews_(American_football) | Details on Kevin Matthews’s short NFL tenure as a center |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Matthews_(American_football) | Jake Matthews’s draft history, career milestones, and contract extension |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_Matthews | Casey Matthews’s NFL career summary and draft information |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Niklas | Troy Niklas’s NFL career as a tight end and related statistics |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthews_family | Overview of the Matthews family’s three‑generation NFL legacy |
| https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/nfl/clay-matthews-net-worth/ | Estimated net worth of Clay Matthews III |
| https://www.nfl.com/news/jake-matthews-agrees-to-two-year-45-million-extension-with-falcons | Announcement of Jake Matthews’s $45 million contract extension in March 2025 |
| https://www.foxnews.com/sports/clay-matthews-details-hilarious-nfl-draft-night-story-where-mom-thought-tom-brady-led-patriots-took-her | Clay Matthews III’s recounting of his draft‑night mix‑up story |
| https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ex-nfl-star-clay-matthews-discusses-responsible-gun-ownership-father-raising-sons-hunters | Coverage of Clay Matthews III’s advocacy for responsible gun ownership |
| https://www.brownsnation.com/clay-matthews-daughter-supports-his-hof-bid-with-new-message/ | Report on Jennifer Matthews’s support for her father’s Hall of Fame campaign |
| https://thesportsrush.com/nfl-news-never-watched-a-college-football-game-unless-kyle-clay-matthews-reflect-on-growing-up-with-an-nfl-dad/ | Kyle and Clay III Matthews reflecting on their upbringing with an NFL father |
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4sY2zaT5_8 | YouTube feature highlighting the Matthews family’s three‑generation NFL impact |
