Overview

William Clay Matthews III, born on May 14, 1986, is a former American professional football player who excelled as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Primarily known as Clay Matthews, he played for 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one season with the Los Angeles Rams. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Matthews is recognized as the all-time official sack leader for the Packers, with an impressive 83.5 sacks. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2024. Born in Los Angeles, Clay Matthews comes from a family with a rich football legacy. His father, Clay Matthews Jr., was an NFL linebacker, and his grandfather, Clay Matthews Sr., also played in the NFL. Matthews attended the University of Southern California (USC), initially as a walk-on, and earned a football scholarship due to his dedication and performance. Clay Matthews was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his successful professional career. In 2013, he signed a 5 year deal for $66 million, making him the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history. During his NFL career, he made a total of $80 million. Beyond football, Matthews has also appeared in television and film.
What Is Clay Matthews III’ Net Worth?

What Is Clay Matthews III’ Net Worth?

William Clay Matthews III, known professionally as Clay Matthews, boasts a net worth of $50 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a professional football player, particularly his long and impactful tenure with the Green Bay Packers.

Clay Matthews’ Career Earnings and Contracts

Matthews’ career earnings reflect his status as a premier NFL player. Over the course of his career, he accumulated approximately $80 million in total earnings. A significant milestone in his financial career was the five-year contract extension he signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2013, valued at $66 million. This contract not only solidified his position as a key player for the Packers but also made him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL at that time. The contract included a signing bonus and guaranteed money, ensuring substantial financial security. In 2019, he signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams for an undisclosed amount.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Born on May 14, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, Clay Matthews III comes from a distinguished football lineage. His father, Clay Matthews Jr., was an NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, and his grandfather played as a tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. His uncle, Bruce Matthews, had a long and successful career with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers, playing multiple positions on the offensive line. His younger brother, Casey Matthews, also played linebacker in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings. This strong family connection to football undoubtedly influenced Clay’s path.

Matthews attended Agoura High School, where his father served as the defensive coordinator for the football team. Despite his strong family background, Matthews was considered a late bloomer, and during his senior year, he only garnered attention from Division I FCS schools and community colleges. Despite this, he decided to attend the University of Southern California (USC) with the goal of walking onto the football team. He initially played on the scout team during his first season. In his second season, he served as a walk-on reserve linebacker. Matthews earned a full athletic scholarship in his third year, 2006, continuing as a reserve linebacker until 2007. Following an offseason of intensive training and conditioning, Matthews was in peak condition for the 2008 season. The Trojans then assigned him to a unique hybrid position, in which he would play as a defensive end while employing linebacker strategies. This strategy proved effective, as Matthews recorded 4.5 sacks and was named USC’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year for the third consecutive year.

NFL Career with the Green Bay Packers (2009-2018)

In the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthews was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 26th overall pick. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. During a game against the Minnesota Vikings in October, he scored his first career touchdown. Later, in Week 13, he recorded six tackles and two sacks in a victory over the Baltimore Ravens, earning him the title of NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Matthews finished his rookie season with 51 tackles and 10 sacks, earning him NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. In 2010, he finished the season with 60 tackles and 13.5 sacks, along with NFC Defensive Player of the Year honors and the Butkus Award. Matthews played a crucial role in the Packers’ Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 31-25. In his third season with the Packers, Matthews recorded 50 tackles and a career-low six sacks. However, he also had a career-high three interceptions and nine pass deflections, as well as his third career defensive touchdown. Matthews had a strong start to the 2012 season, recording 2.5 sacks in the season opener and 3.5 sacks in the following game. He concluded the season with 43 tackles and 13 sacks. The 2013 season was less successful for Matthews, as injuries limited him to 11 games, during which he recorded 41 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

During the 2014 season, Matthews started every regular-season game for the first time in his NFL career. He finished the season strong, recording 8.5 sacks in the final eight games and finishing with 11 sacks overall. In 2015, Matthews helped the Packers advance to the NFC Divisional Round playoff game, where they lost to the Arizona Cardinals. The following season was less productive, as Matthews recorded career lows in both tackles (24) and sacks (5). However, in 2017, he became the Packers’ all-time sack leader. Prior to the 2018 season, Matthews fractured his nose after being hit by a line-drive ball during the Green & Gold Charity Softball Game. He had a disappointing season with the Packers, receiving three penalties for roughing the passer. Matthews became a free agent after the season.

Time with the Los Angeles Rams

In 2019, Matthews signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams. He recorded three tackles and a sack in his Week 1 debut in a win over the Carolina Panthers. Further victories were achieved against the New Orleans Saints and the Cleveland Browns. The Packers, however, were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, and Matthews was forced to miss three games due to a fractured jaw. During the 2020 offseason, the Rams released him.

Real Estate Investments and Assets

Clay Matthews has made strategic investments in real estate, contributing to his overall net worth. In 2015, Clay and his wife, Casey Noble, purchased an undeveloped plot of land in Calabasas, California, for $2.6 million. They then spent millions of dollars constructing a custom 14,000 square-foot mansion. Shortly after the home was completed in 2021, Clay and Casey decided to move out of California. In July 2021, they listed the house for $29.995 million. They lowered the price by $4 million by May 2022. They also own 200 acres of land in the Nashville suburbs, where they plan to build a new mansion. Clay sold the Calabasas mansion for $20 million in December 2022, nearly a year and a half after it was first listed. Trae Young, an NBA star, was the buyer.

Details regarding specific luxury cars and private jets owned by Clay Matthews are not publicly available. Generally, high-net-worth individuals like Matthews often invest in luxury vehicles and may utilize private aviation for travel, further enhancing their lifestyle and reflecting their financial success. However, concrete information on these particular assets is not accessible in the provided text.

Personal Life

In 2015, Clay Matthews married Casey Noble, a former HGTV star. The couple has three children: William Clay IV, Colton, and Madeline. Clay also has a brother named Casey, leading to the humorous situation of having both a wife and a brother with the same first name. Beyond his professional and financial endeavors, information regarding Clay Matthews’ daily routines, specific personal habits, and details of his public appearances remains relatively private.

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