CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Clay Matthews Jr. was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2021 Tuesday.
It marks the first time Matthews has reached the final round.
The former Browns linebacker has been a semifinalist for three straight years and five times overall.
Matthews also reached the semifinal round in 2014 and 2017 but has never been named a finalist and come up for vote on Super Bowl Saturday.
A total of 130 nominees were announced in September and the list was reduced to 25 semifinalists on Nov. 24.
This year voting on the Class of 2021 will be conducted virtually on January 19.
First-year eligible players: defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, quarterback Peyton Manning and cornerback/safety Charles Woodson are also among the 15 modern-era finalists that will be trimmed to five Hall of Fame selections.
Matthews was selected by the Browns 12th overall in the 1978 draft before turning into one of the best linebackers and most durable players in league history.
During his 16 seasons with the Browns from 1978-93, Matthews racked up 76.5 sacks, 1,430 total tackles, 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries.
Matthews played in 278 games — the the most by a linebacker in NFL history, started 248 games at linebacker — the most by a linebacker in league history, where he amassed 1,561 tackles — third-most in league history and finished his career with 83.5 sacks 27 forced fumbles. 14 fumble recoveries and 16 interceptions.
He was a three-time All Pro and received four Pro Bowl nods.
Matthews is the first and only non-Hall of Famer to be inducted into the Browns’ Ring of Honor at FirstEnergy Stadium.