Matthews is the son of former NFL player Clay Matthews , Jr. and his uncle is Bruce Matthews who also played in the NFL . Matthews ' father , Clay Matthews , Jr. , played the third most games in NFL history ( 278 ) over 19 seasons as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons while earning 4 Pro Bowl selections . Matthews ' uncle , Bruce Matthews , played as an offensive lineman for 19 years in the National Football League for the Houston Oilers\/Tennessee Titans franchise after being drafted out of USC in 1983 .