Clay Matthews Interview

Why Clay Matthews Isn't Satisfied

Running backs grip the ball extra tight when they see him coming. Offensive coordinators design plays just to slow him down. Quarterbacks look over their shoulders in fear of seeing that famous flash of blonde hair streaking towards them. Clay Matthews, one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL, is a beast among men. But that hasn’t always been the case.

The 6’3”, 255 lb California-native was so small in high school that even though everyone knew he hailed from a dynasty of NFLers (his father was a linebacker, his grandfather an offensive tackle and his uncle is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever play the game) Matthews wasn’t even named a starter. Worst part? His dad was the defensive coordinator.

“I was definitely a late-bloomer” Matthews told us during a recent interview. “I was blessed with blonde hair and a baby face — well, I don’t know if you’d call that blessed — I don’t even remember when I started shaving.” It’s a bit ironic that Matthews, who thinks he only started shaving on a somewhat regular basis “sometime late in high school or college” is one of Gillette’s most high-profile spokesmen. But Matthews sees the partnership with the grooming giant more about achievement than anything else, “Gillette is one of those companies where it’s about success and that’s who I want to partner myself with.”

Success, especially in the National Football League, isn’t easy to achieve. Nor, is it easy to predict. The Green Bay Packers, however, decided to take a leap of faith in 2009 when former All-Pro linebacker Kevin Greene saw incredible potential in Matthews. The Packers traded away two picks in order to move up in the draft and secure the USC walk-on. The kid who was once too small to play on a team coached by his dad suddenly had a lot to prove in the big leagues.

But Matthews was never worried.

“I don’t just want to go out there and do my job — I want to excel at it. I hold myself to a high standard. I expect to make plays that alter the game and if I don’t, I hold myself accountable. If I didn’t hold myself to those standards I don’t think I’d be in the position that I am today. Whether it’s how you play, how you eat or how you train during the off-season, you need to separate yourself and become a man and take accountability for your actions.”

That honest, blue-collar attitude has paid off handsomely. Matthews is now making over $66 million on a five year deal and is the highest paid linebacker in the NFL. It’s a huge contract but most teams would be more than happy to pay that to have the Clay Maker rushing for them — not at them. The four-time Pro Bowler has already set several franchise records for sacks and is a constant menace for opposing offenses. His forced fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV is the type of game-changing play that makes Matthews a threat every time the ball is snapped.

He has a lot of respect for his opponents and their abilities — especially Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson, who he says is the hardest man to tackle in the NFL. “He’s a phenomenal runner — his speed and power is unparalleled. He’s definitely one of those guys that we put extra emphasis and attention on and he still makes his plays. The true pros out there definitely put in the hard work and it’s truly noticeable.”

But don’t think for a second that Matthews is intimidated by anyone — even the most dominant running back in the game. The linebacker’s first career touchdown came after stripping Peterson of the ball back in 2009.

Even with bragging rights, a Super Bowl ring and a monster contract, the superstar isn’t satisfied.

“I always feel there’s room for improvement and whether that means weightlifting or running during the off-season or just understanding the general concept of your defenses and offenses the work that you put in might let you stay a step ahead of your opponent. When you think you’ve arrived is when someone is going to catch you. I’ve been able to have a little bit of success in my five years playing but I’d like to continue to have that and excel for five more and hopefully even longer.”

One thing that does scare Matthews is injury. Over the past couple seasons he’s missed time due to ankle and hamstring issues and most recently was forced to wear a club cast over a surgically repaired thumb (after missing four games).

“Being injured is probably the hardest part about athletics. It feels like you’ve let your teammates down — that you’re not there for them and that you're not a part of the brotherhood. You try and play your best and fight through them but there are times when you won’t be able to. But as long they allow me out there I definitely will be.”