During the frenzy around Pro Football Hall of Fame week in Canton, the powers that be revealed that next year’s class will be expanded to help honor the 100th season of the NFL.
The Hall will induct 20 members instead of the usual 8-man class. That will result in clearing out a backlog of worthy candidates. One of those who should benefit is Clay Matthews.
The longtime Browns linebacker/defensive end has come close already. Matthews has been a semifinalist three times, including this year. He will qualify as one of the five modern-era players who will get in as part of the expanded class, a group that will also include 10 senior committee inductees, three contributors and two coaches.
The Browns recently announced they will honor Matthews by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Honor this year. Matthews will be the first player to receive that honor who isn’t already in the Hall of Fame.
