Clay Matthews III: From Trojan Walk-On to NFL Star

In its ongoing series counting down to the upcoming football season, USC's athletic department is remembering some of its most impactful players. Today's focus is on linebacker Clay Matthews III, a player whose collegiate career serves as a testament to perseverance and talent.

Matthews initially joined the Trojans program as a walk-on, a status that often requires players to prove their worth without the benefit of a scholarship. Despite this, he not only earned a scholarship but also developed into a key contributor for the USC defense.

His success at USC paved the way for a highly productive professional career. Matthews went on to become one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL during the 2010s, establishing himself as a dominant force for several teams and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.