Clay Matthews: The second coming of Ray Nitschke.

In just his second year, Clay Matthews has developed a reputation as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.  He's big, strong, fast and very athletic; simply put, the man is a BEAST!!  He is slowly but surely establishing himself as a Packer legend, following the footsteps of one the best players to ever wear the Green and Gold; Ray Nitschke.

I'm not a Green Bay Packer fan, cheesehead or whatever it is they call themselves.  I'm not steeped in the tradition, or even know much about the Lambeau mystic, the Frozen Tundra and all that stuff.  What I do know however is that Ray Nitschke is one of the best to have ever played the game.  If you're a Green Bay fan reading this, and there's something you think I ought to know, feel free to educate me.

The man could use a good dental plan.

The list of great linebackers goes deep.  You've got "Hollywood" Henderson, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor.  Then it gets deeper with Chuck Bednarik, Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert and Ray Nitschke.  That's old school and it's as good it gets.

Drafted out of Illinois in 1957, Nitschke was a key player during the Packers dominance in the 1960's.  While he was known for his hard hits, he was a good all-around linebacker, intercepting 25 passes during his career.  Along with the NFL Championships, Super Bowls, All-Pro selections and Hall of Fame honors, Nitschke is one of only 5 players to have their numbers retired by Green Bay; not bad considering how many great players have come through.

Along with Penn State, USC takes a lot pride in the moniker "Linebacker U" due the number of great players at that position over the years.  Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Chris Clairbone, Lofa Tatupu and Keith Rivers are just to name but a few.  It definitely wouldn't hurt to add Clay Matthews to that discussion.

The three amigos prior to the NFL draft.

Matthews teamed up with Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava to form one of the best linebacking units in the country.  From 2006-2008, USC faced Michigan, Illinois (who should have never even been there in the first place) and Penn State in three straight Rose Bowls.  Not only did the Trojans win all three games decisively, but they were dominant in every sense of the word; thanks in part to the aforementioned gentlemen. 

In this era of parity, winning one championship is probably more than enough because it's not as easy for teams to dominate an entire decade like they used back then.  Should Green Bay win Super Bowl XLV, and Matthews goes on to a lengthy career, it wouldn't be a bad thing if he were to considered in the same breath as Nitschke.