NFL: Brotherly Toughness

The Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews has achieved another career milestone on Sunday.

Bruce moved past his brother Clay Matthews on the list of most games played in the NFL. Clay Matthews played 278 games in a 19 year career as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons. Bruce has played 279 games in 18 seasons as an offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.

The Matthews brothers are now #5 and #6 on the all time list of games played in the NFL.

1) George Blanda 340 2) Gary Anderson 290 3) Morten Andersen 289 4) Jim Marshall 282 5) Bruce Matthews 279 6) Clay Matthews 278

Clay and Bruce’s accomplishments are even more impressive when you realize the top three players on the list are kickers. (My father has told me plenty of stories of how great George Blanda was, but the truth is Blanda played the last several years only as a kicker. Sorry Dad.) Clay Matthews played more games than any other linebacker and Bruce has played more games than any other offensive lineman.

Clay Matthews played 19 years—16 seasons as a linebacker with the Cleveland Browns. He is the Browns all-time sack leader and was elected to 5 Pro Bowls. He was quick and durable. During the last 9 years of his career, he only missed 3 games. And Clay somehow found the time during the off-seasons to attend MBA classes (he is only a class or two away from completing his degree.) Clay and Bruce played against each other in the AFC Central for 11 years, so it is mildly ironic that Bruce broke Clay’s record in Cleveland against the Browns.

I always thought Clay Matthews did not receive enough national media attention. But I KNOW Bruce does not get enough attention. Bruce Matthews is the Cal Ripken, Jr. of the NFL.

Bruce Matthews has played 18 years as an offensive lineman. He has never missed a game because of injury. He has played in every game since he missed a few games in a 1987 contract dispute. That is every game for 13 years in the NFL. Remember when Cal Ripken bypassed Lou Gehrig, Ripken had played in every game for 13 years. Most people would agree that NFL lineman is a rougher position than MLB shortstop. Bruce has toiled for 18 years and has been elected to 13 Pro Bowls. He blocked for Earl Campbell when he rushed for 1000+ yards. Bruce Matthews blocks for Eddie George, who racks up 1000+ yards each season.

But in the NFL, offensive linemen seldom receive any glory and Bruce is no exception. He has been elected to 13 straight Pro Bowl, which is the most ever by any NFL player. Yet the vast majority of Americans do not know who Bruce Matthews is.

The Matthews brothers are in many ways similar. Both men have college degrees, lettered in 3 sports at the University of Southern California, were first round draft picks, have been elected to numerous All-NFL teams by the media, played in several Pro Bowls, and were on the All-Madden team. The brothers also are modest and have an unbelievable love for the game. If you ask Bruce or Clay, they will say they played for decades because they simply loved playing football.

The good news is both men have four sons. The chances are at least one of these eight boys will play in the NFL. So football fans can look forward to the third generation of Matthews, Clay and Bruce’s father played four years with the San Francisco 49ers. So far, this family has played 41 NFL seasons and counting.