CANTON, Ohio — The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2020 and former Cleveland Browns linebacker and fan-favorite Clay Matthews was snubbed once again ahead of Selection Saturday.
Matthews has been up for induction numerous times, making it to the semifinals more than once but missing the final selection each time.
In November, Matthews was named a semifinalist for his second straight year.
The linebacker, who played for the Browns from 1978 to 1993, was selected by the Browns with the 12th overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft. Matthews played in 232 games for Cleveland, recording 1,430 tackles, 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries and 62 sacks.
Matthews was a star on the 1980 Kardiac Kids roster, helping Cleveland make it to the playoffs for the first time since 1972 in a must-win Week 16 game against the Bengals. Unfortunately, that win was followed with the Red Right 88 game, an unfortunate end to an unforgettable season.
Here are the 15 finalists that made the cut over Matthews:
- Steve Atwater, Safety – 1989-1998 Denver Broncos, 1999 New York Jets
- Tony Boselli, Tackle – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars
- Isaac Bruce, Wide Receiver – 1994-2007 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2008-09 San Francisco 49ers
- LeRoy Butler, Safety – 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers
- Alan Faneca, Guard – 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals
- Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
- Steve Hutchinson, Guard – 2001-05 Seattle Seahawks, 2006-2011 Minnesota Vikings, 2012 Tennessee Titans
- Edgerrin James, Running Back – 1999-2005 Indianapolis Colts, 2006-08 Arizona Cardinals, 2009 Seattle Seahawks
- John Lynch, Free Safety – 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Denver Broncos
- Sam Mills, Linebacker – 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers
- Troy Polamalu, Safety – 2003-2014 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Richard Seymour, Defensive End/Defensive Tackle – 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders
- Zach Thomas, Linebacker – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys
- Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
- Bryant Young, Defensive Tackle – 1994-2007 San Francisco 49ers
Even though he didn't make in into the Hall of Fame this year, Matthews still has the honor of being inducted into the Browns Ring of Honor back in September.
RELATED: WATCH: Browns induct legendary LB Clay Matthews Jr. into Ring of Honor
