Clay Matthews Sr. dies – dead at 88
Clay Matthews Sr., the patriarch of a great American football family, has died at the age of 88.
The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reported on Thursday night that Matthews died in South Carolina after a long illness. The Charleston native played college ball at Georgia Tech and then four seasons as an offensive lineman for the 49ers.
Matthews’ sons, Clay Jr. and Bruce, both were excellent players. Clay Jr. was a Pro Bowler, while Bruce is a Hall of Famer. The lineage continued onto the grandchildren, who also have become NFL players.
Clay Matthews III has become a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Packers. Three other grandchildren — Casey, Jake and Kevin — all have or are playing in the NFL.
Matthews Sr. also fought in the Army during the Korean War.
McClain says funeral services will be held in both South Carolina and California.