Clay Matthews, Aaron Kampman inducted into Packers Hall of Fame

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Green Bay Packers enshrined two of their best pass rushers in franchise history into the Packers Hall of Fame on Thursday evening.

Clay Matthews, the hard-hitting linebacker with the flowing blonde hair, wore a green blazer during the ceremony. He talked about being a walk-on at USC in college before slowly working his way up the depth chart saying encouragement from his family convinced him to not quit even when it was tough for him to get playing time.

Dom Capers, the Packers former defensive coordinator, was Matthews’ presenter. Matthews talked about how Capers believed in him and put him in the best possible spots to succeed during his time in Green Bay.

Matthews also thanked his former teammates, family, Packers fans, and the organization.

“For a kid who grew up on the West Coast, never in my wildest imagination did I think I would land in Green Bay,” Matthews said during his speech. “I can honestly say I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Matthews finished his career with 83.5 sacks while with the Packers. According to FootballReference.com , this is the second most in franchise history. The website notes that sack numbers prior to 1982 are unofficial (the all-time leader for the Packers in sacks is Willie Davis who played from 1960-1969).

Matthews was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, made the NFL’s All-Pro team in 2010, and was part of the Packers Super Bowl team where he forced a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter.

He said he still sometimes watches that highlight. Speaking of highlights, he says his son watches his highlights as well and has even been working on imitating his dad’s sack celebrations.

Matthews got emotional as he talked about his family and also spent a lot of time thanking his teammates in Green Bay.

“You guys challenged me, supported me, encouraged me, and most importantly provided me with some of the best years of my life,” Matthews said in his speech about his teammates.

“Just being a great teammate and moving positions and going to middle linebacker and doing whatever was asked of him in different situations to help us win,” said Matthews’ former teammate Randall Cobb. “Not only was he a great teammate, he was also a great friend. We’re both coaches for our kids’ flag football team. We’ve had some great moments over the years and I just wanted to support him.”

“Hard not to gravitate to him, long beautiful locks, and when you can be that athletic specimen and a funny human being it’s pretty hard to stay away from the guy,” said Matthews’ former teammate Josh Sitton. “We formed a good friendship and it’s continued I’m very excited for him and very proud of him.”

Hundreds of fans also came out to cheer on Matthews on his big day. Susan Wojcik attended the ceremony with some of her friends from Shawano who say they watch Packers games together at the bars out there.

She brought a shirt that said ‘This Goldilocks Eats The Bears’ to the ceremony.

“His hair of course he’s got the goldilocks, his persona how he is, he is a great family man and a great Packer,” she told Local 5 News when asked why Matthews was one of her favorite players.

The Packers also inducted Aaron Kampman into their Hall of Fame on Thursday night.

The fifth round draft pick from the University of Iowa moved up the depth chart during his time with the Packers, ultimately cementing himself as a dynamic edge rusher for the team.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection finished his Packers career with 54 sacks. He had 15.5 sacks during the 2006 season which was the third most for a single season in franchise history.

“I wanted who I was to be displayed on the football field,” Kampman said. “In a way that honored my Lord, my family, and the community, and the people who meant the most to me. I did that to the best of my ability.”

Kampman also brought his wife onto the stage, surprising her with her own “Hall of Fame” ring as a thank you for her support over the years.

“I feel humbled because I fully recognize that I wouldn’t have become the man that I’ve become without the love or influence, example, or direction, wisdom, or support of others,” he said during his speech.

“Absolute stud, workhorse guy,” said Josh Sitton who played with Kampman for a few seasons in Green Bay. “Walk through or full go he was always working his butt off and that was the kind of guy he was.”

WFRV’s Tom Zalaski emceed the event.

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