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Three Cleveland Browns that are next in line for the Hall of Fame

By Dan Justik

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns helmets rest on the bench prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns helmets rest on the bench prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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5 Dec 1999: A view of the Cleveland Browns helmets during a game against the San Diego Chargers at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Browns 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport
5 Dec 1999: A view of the Cleveland Browns helmets during a game against the San Diego Chargers at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Browns 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport /

Clay Matthews

Of the former Browns players that are not in the Hall of Fame, Clay Matthews is one of the biggest surprises. During his time donning the brown and orange, Matthews was an extremely productive linebacker.

Matthews played 16 seasons for the Browns, and compiled 1,430 total tackles, 62 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and 14 interceptions in 232 games in Cleveland. He also played three seasons with the Falcons, but did not play at the same level as he did in Cleveland.

Despite the NFL not officially tracking tackles until the end of his career, Matthews would have ranked near the top of the All-Time list in tackles. But with the Browns, he is the team leader in tackles and sacks.

Related Story. Former Browns linebacker one of the best NFL fathers. light

Matthews was selected to the Pro Bowl four times in his career. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 1984.

Matthews has been named a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame twice since he was on the ballot. However, he was not named a semi-finalist in the most recent selection process.

With the production that Matthews put up in his career, it would be shocking if he was never selected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It may take a year when there are not many worthy candidates, but Matthews should get his day at some point.

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