Browns legend Clay Matthews has made the cut for the semifinalist list for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class of 2021. Matthews is among the 25 players who made the semifinalist list from the original pool of 130 players.
This is Matthews’ fifth time as a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame and the third year in a row. He’s widely regarded as one of the most worthy players not enshrined in Canton.
The defensive end/outside linebacker played his first 16 seasons in Cleveland, earning four Pro Bowl nods. No. 57 led the NFL in tackles three times and was renowned for his versatility and durability throughout his long career.
Matthews is the only player with Browns ties to make the semifinalist list. Josh Cribbs, Eric Metcalf and Michael Dean Perry were among other Browns who made the initial nomination list.
The nominating committee whittles the list down to 15 finalists, then votes for the induction class in the week leading up to the Super Bowl. The full list of 25 semifinalists is available via the Hall of Fame.