This is the second time Matthews, who played for the Browns from 1978-1993 and later the Atlanta Falcons, has reached it this far in the process. He was also a semifinalist in 2012.
Matthews, considered one of the league’s best linebackers and most durable players, played in 278 games — the 17th most in NFL history — and amassed 1,561 tackles over that span. Matthews was a three-time All Pro and received four Pro Bowl nods. His brother, offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. Matthews’ son, Clay Matthews III, is an All-Pro linebacker for the Green Bay Packers.