CLEVELAND — Former Browns linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Matthews has been up for induction numerous times, but this is the first time he has been named a finalist.
The linebacker, who played for the Browns from 1978 to 1993, was selected by the Browns with the 12th overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft. Matthews played in 232 games for Cleveland, recording 1,430 tackles, 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries and 62 sacks.
Matthews was a star on the 1980 Kardiac Kids roster, helping Cleveland make it to the playoffs for the first time since 1972 in a must-win Week 16 game against the Bengals. Unfortunately, that win was followed with the Red Right 88 game, an unfortunate end to an unforgettable season.
These are the 14 other finalists:
- Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers.
- Ronde Barber, Cornerback/Safety – 1997-2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Tony Boselli, Tackle – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002 Houston Texans (injured reserve.)
- LeRoy Butler, Safety – 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers.
- Alan Faneca, Guard – 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals.
- Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver – 2007-2015 Detroit Lions.
- John Lynch, Safety – 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Denver Broncos.
- Peyton Manning, Quarterback – 1998-2011 Indianapolis Colts (injured reserve 2011), 2012-15 Denver Broncos.
- Sam Mills, Linebacker – 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers.
- Richard Seymour, Defensive End/Defensive Tackle – 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders.
- Zach Thomas, Linebacker – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys.
- Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts.
- Charles Woodson, Cornerback/Safety – 1998-2005, 2013-15 Oakland Raiders, 2006-2012 Green Bay Packers.
The Hall of Fames Selection Committee will decide on Jan. 19 which five players will be inducted.
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