According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Clay Matthews Sr. has passed away on Thursday evening. He was 88.
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Condolences to Bruce and Clay Matthews Jr. and their families for the death of their father Clay Matthews Sr.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 24, 2017
Clay Matthews Sr. died in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. after a long illness. There will be services in South Carolina and California.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 24, 2017
Matthews Sr. played college football at Georgia Tech, and he later played four years in the NFL. His NFL stint was split into two parts — both with the 49ers — as Matthews served in the Korean War after his rookie year in the league.
Matthews is perhaps best known for the legacy he has left in the NFL via his sons and grandsons. His two oldest sons, Clay Jr. and Bruce, each played 19 seasons in the NFL, with Bruce being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Those two have produced five NFL playing sons of their own, most notably linebacker Clay Matthews III with the Packers and Jake Matthews with the Atlanta Falcons.
According to the Chronicle, services will be held for Matthews in both South Carolina and California.
