2019 is looking like a year to honor past Cleveland Browns greats. A statue for Otto Graham has been announced. Now a fan favorite linebacker will get a deserving honor.
This year we're set to honor a #Browns Legend …
Clay Matthews will be inducted into our Ring of Honor Sept. 22 at @FEStadium
Details » https://t.co/IN7KJfQGTo pic.twitter.com/n48vDoDi9G
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 31, 2019
The ceremony will take place at halftime of the week three primetime game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday September 22.
We're ready for you, Matthews family! 🧡 https://t.co/z6lHdJSvUz
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 31, 2019
“I was honored,” Matthews said via a press release from the team. “I mean, the Browns have a pretty good legacy of players in that group. We lived through that generation of players mostly in the 60s who were so successful, and to be included in that group is just an honor.”
Matthews is also excited for 2019 and the future for the Browns.
“It seems like they’re doing a pretty good job of picking talent around there, so I’m going to ride that wave,” Matthews said. “The Browns, even though they had a little hiccup for a while when the team went away and came back, that’s what you think of when you think of the NFL. At least for myself growing up, the Browns, Packers, Bears, those type of teams that were there from long ago. To be included at this level is just a huge honor.”
The Browns picked the right night to induct Matthews. His son, Clay Matthews III will be in attendance as a current member of the Rams.
“With that platform, gosh,” Matthews said. “To honor me at the platform and with that going on and having him here, I’m just honored. I’m honored by the Haslam family and the folks who think I’m worthy of doing it.”
#Browns to induct former LB Clay Matthews into the team's Ring of Honor for Week 3 SNF v #Rams He is the first non-Hall of Famer to receive the honor
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) July 31, 2019
It will be the first time in Browns history where they will induct a player into their ‘Ring of Honor’ who is currently not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Matthews has come up short in Hall of Fame voting the last few years. Perhaps the Browns move will help Matthews’ chances to be inducted in Canton as well as Cleveland.
“To me it was a no-brainer,” general manager John Dorsey said. “That guy symbolizes everything it means to be a Cleveland Brown. Respect and honor for the game of professional football. His passion for the game. I can’t wait to meet him when we do this against the Los Angeles Rams. It will be special for him.”
In 278 games Matthews amassed 1,561 tackles. Matthews was a three-time All Pro and received four Pro Bowl nods. During his 16 seasons with the Browns (1978-93), Matthews had 76.5 sacks, 1,430 total tackles, 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
